Two days after Shavous, the yomtov that we recommit to unity and togetherness, New Jersey’s shluchos met for a day of professional development on the topic of Healthy Relationships. This training was part of Chabad of New Jersey’s Mental Health Initiative (MHI), which receives funding from the state to provide mental health guidance and support to shluchim and shluchos in their communal and personal arenas.
Held at Chana Devorah Solomon’s beautiful Chabad House in Short Hills, the day opened with greetings from Mushky Levinson, the coordinator of the MHI initiative. Shana Frydman, PhD, LCSW gave an overview of healthy relationships with very practical and necessary tips. As a representative from Shalom Task Force, she discussed the sensitive nature of Mikvah protocol and described the services and resources available to community leaders. After breaking for a catered lunch, Chanie Krasnianski, shlucha in Manhattan, described the role of the rebbetzin in domestic abuse situations. With her inimitable warmth and humility, she articulated the difference between the role as a “spiritual mentor,” and when (and how) to turn to professionals. Amy Miller, Esq. provided the know-how to help families engage the legal process to navigate the parameters of US family law. A powerful Q&A culminated the day.
“Thank you to the Rabbinical College & the Mental Health Initiative for bringing to the forefront important topics and discussions. Today’s seminar which addressed unhealthy relationships and domestic abuse was AMAZING! Learning about the topic, discussing our responsibilities as Chabad Shluchos/ Rebetzins and being given clear, precise directives were all packed in the most informative and pleasant presentations. All the presenters were great, not to mention how well we were fed! Wonderful spending time with the other incredible Shluchos of the beautiful state of NJ,” said Tova Chazanow, shlucha in Manalapan.
The event closed out this year’s MHI trainings and kinusim (men, women and families), which all served the overarching goal of supporting shluchim with information and resources, and strengthening the “sheves achim gam yachad” which undoubtedly lies at the heart of all our success. Each program is hosted by a different Chabad House across the state, which gives shluchim an opportunity to spend quality time in each other’s “homes.”
As we prepare to dive into a new year of programming under the auspices of the Rabbinical College/Chabad of NJ and dean Rabbi Moshe Herson, one shlucha summed up the Initiative in this way: “I have been on shlichus in New Jersey for many, many years BH. The two years of MHI programming has given me tremendous skills and knowledge, but equally important, it has created a palpable difference in the unity between the shluchos of our state. I have formed real and productive bonds with my neighboring shluchos, and we lean on each other in ways I hadn’t done in the decades I’ve lived here. I believe that the Rebbe is filled with nachas.”
Such a well organized event!!