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Take Time to Focus on Healthy Loving Relationships

By Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick
Jewish Community Chaplain

We don’t speak enough about domestic violence in the Jewish community. This is true of all Jewish communities. Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twersky, one of the foremost experts and advocates in the Jewish community regarding mental health and the issues of domestic violence and substance abuse, saw mental health issues, and relationships in particular, through spiritual care lenses. 


In 1996, Twersky wrote a book “The Shame Borne in Silence: Spouse Abuse in the Jewish Community.” It brought to light the problem of spouse abuse in the Jewish community and offered advice and direction on how to end it. The book was a wake-up call and a challenge for change.  


Rabbi Dr. Twersky died earlier this month, but his work to end domestic violence lives on. In this month of love in our American culture, the Clergy Task Force on Domestic Violence of Jewish Women International, on which I am honored to serve, has a project called “Shamor L’Amour – A Healthy Relationship Shabbat” to focus on healthy loving relationships.   

This annual program is designed to spark conversations about healthy relationships among couples, families, and singles. These conversations can be held anywhere – the dinner table while taking a walk, or even over your favorite conferencing website. 

As Jewish Community Chaplain, based at JFS, I encourage you to check out a recent article in eJewishPhilanthrophy about the Shamor L’Amour and utilize the resources including free Shabbat conversation cards – one set for families, another for adults at www.jwi.org/shabbat. 

Please share these important discussions with your circle of friends and family. Every conversation about healthy loving relationships makes a difference.  ​

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Upcoming Events

May
23
Mon
11:30 am Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 t... @ Virtual
Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 t... @ Virtual
May 23 @ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 to August 29) @ Virtual
JFSKC’s Mental Health Programs Team is pleased to announce that it will continue to offer the free virtual Mindful Mondays program from 11:30 AM to Noon.  Sondra Wallace, MSED, JFS YouBeYou, and Mental Health Coalition[...]
Jun
1
Wed
11:30 am JFS Grief and Loss Group
JFS Grief and Loss Group
Jun 1 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Meets first and third WednesdayThe ongoing support group is for individuals grieving fromthe death of a loved one. The group provides an opportunityto address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritualcontext in a[...]
11:30 am JFSKC Grief & Loss Support
JFSKC Grief & Loss Support
Jun 1 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
The JFSKC Grief and Loss Support Group meet each first and third Wednesday of each month. The ongoing support group is for individuals grieving the death of a loved one. The group provides an opportunity[...]
Jun
6
Mon
11:30 am Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 t... @ Virtual
Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 t... @ Virtual
Jun 6 @ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 to August 29) @ Virtual
JFSKC’s Mental Health Programs Team is pleased to announce that it will continue to offer the free virtual Mindful Mondays program from 11:30 AM to Noon.  Sondra Wallace, MSED, JFS YouBeYou, and Mental Health Coalition[...]
Jun
13
Mon
11:30 am Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 t... @ Virtual
Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 t... @ Virtual
Jun 13 @ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Mindful Mondays 2022 (April 18 to August 29) @ Virtual
JFSKC’s Mental Health Programs Team is pleased to announce that it will continue to offer the free virtual Mindful Mondays program from 11:30 AM to Noon.  Sondra Wallace, MSED, JFS YouBeYou, and Mental Health Coalition[...]
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5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103 | Overland Park, KS 66211
913.327.8250 · info@jfskc.org

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