Being the parent of a child at risk is one of the most painful challenges one can face and one of the most isolating as well. The phones aren’t ringing with offers of volunteers to do homework with the children, to deliver meals and pay for necessary treatment. Many parents are ashamed or afraid to reach out and ask for support, to build connections with others in the same situation. There is so much conflicting advice, as well as endless guilt, pain, and confusion. Where does one turn? How should one deal with a KIP (kid in pain) who has chosen a different path? What should one do about the extended family? How does one deal with the siblings living at home, who need support as well?
Enter Kesher Nafshi, an organization founded by Reb Gedalia Miller, himself a parent of a struggling child. The goal of the organization is to strengthen the bond between parents and their children, thereby rebuilding the relationship and allowing healing to occur.
Kesher Nafshi recently hosted an incredible Shabbos of Chizuk and connection at the Armon Hotel in Connecticut. Over 800 fathers and mothers of struggling children gathered to reconnect, recharge, and gain strength for their courageous journey.
This wonderful weekend, the ninth organized by Kesher Nafshi, was a retreat that began on Thursday afternoon and stretched until late on Sunday. During these three action-packed days, parents were treated to delectable food, luxurious accommodations, but most importantly, a full spectrum of Rabbonim and professionals who shared their time and expertise.
Rabbi Shimon Russell, Kesher Nafshi’s director of Training and Development, presented a powerful series of workshops on forgiveness, and all participants received a copy of the new and bestselling book “Raising a Loving Family” written by Zalman Goldstein, which gathers essential guidance from Rabbi Russell’s talks and wisdom. Other speakers included Rabbi Mordechai Weinberger, Rabbi Yossi Bensoussan, Rav Shimon Schneebalg, Rabbi Shloime Ehrlich, Rabbi Avi Wiesenfeld, and many others.
On Motzoei Shabbos, Reb Hershel Rosenberg performed a moving musical Kesher Nafshi journey, joined on stage by prominent singers including Beri Weber, Shmuli Ungar, Issac Honig, Hershy Weinberger and Moshe Kraus. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of Yiddy, Reb Hershel’s son, who joined his father on stage in a moving reunion that had us all in tears.
Yet it wasn’t just the powerful speeches and memorable presentations, it was also an opportunity to speak to Rabbonim, professionals, and those on the front lines and to spend time with kindred souls.
What’s next for Kesher Nafshi? In the aftermath of this weekend, many new support groups are being formed and existing support groups in Eretz Yisroel, London, Chicago, Brooklyn, Monsey and Lakewood are being strengthened. The Kesher Nafshi parents are in constant touch with one another, drawing on their shared experiences to give each other Chizuk along the journey.
For more information visit www.KesherNafshi.org
Kesher Nafshi, R’ Gedalia Miller, and Rabbi Shimon Russell are literally saving lives and restoring hope to families hurt and torn by the confusion and OTD scourge that’s raging today. May hashem bentch all of you and all those involved in KN with continued success in this vital pikuach nefesh work.
A KN parent
Here are some solutions. Every case of struggling kids as well as young adults is different. Here are some sure fire ideas that have worked. When kids are in elementary yeshiva they must be given TUTORS in subjects they feel weak be it Chumash or math etc. Once a kid begins to fall behind and can’t keep up with his class his confidence falls as well as his or her self esteem. Kids turning teenagers is another parsha. They need MENTORS. Mentors have to be believers that the kid can excell. You need the right mentor. A mentor could be… Read more »
The achdus of so many yidden, whose only reason for being together is learning to connect with the children Hashem entrusted them, was so profound. It literally felt like a tase of Mashiach!! The message of being strong in Bitachon, and knowing that we can help our struggling children by being proud of them, and accepting them as they are, just as Hashem does with us (His struggling children) is lifechanging for the children, but even more for the parents! If you have the need, and the opportunity, you MUST attend one of the shabbatons!! If you do nothing else… Read more »
Here’s a link to some of the incredible lectures from the recent weekend event: https://keshernafshi.org/shabbaton-6-2022
Here’s a link to Rabbi Russell’s video library with hours and hours of free training and inspiration: https://rabbishimonrussell.com/
There was no 800 people at kesher Nafshi. Absolutely NOT. There were 800 Malachim. How to describe the Shabbos at Kesher Nafshi ? Rubashkins release was a Mossiach moment. Kesher Nafshi was a Mossiach Shabbos ! Just as by Rubashkin every type of frum yid danced in unity out of joy Kesher Nafshi United every stripe of yid out of humility. When Mossiach comes all of our broken hearts will turn into tears of joy as the Navi states, “He will return the hearts of the parents to the children and the children to the parents. Kesher Nafshi will not… Read more »