SHALVA Announces Orthodox Rabbinic Task Force and Upcoming Symposium

Chicago

SHALVA, Chicago’s very own organization for supporting Jewish women experiencing and healing from domestic abuse, is pleased to announce a groundbreaking initiative.

The Orthodox Rabbinic Task Force was created for those who may want additional support in understanding the dynamics of their relationship. Twelve diverse, local Orthodox Rabbis, each of whom works independently, are now available for anonymous, confidential rabbinic guidance on domestic abuse and shalom bayis needs.

Task Force Rabbis work together with SHALVA clinicians to better service Orthodox clients, families, and community members who seek rabbinic support and guidance unique to shalom bayis.

“While SHALVA serves all members of the Jewish community, we realize that members of the Orthodox community may encounter unique circumstances. Providing them with additional support services may be beneficial for those going through an incredibly challenging time,” explained Mrs. Barbara Siegel, SHALVA’s director of clinical services.

Rabbanim are often the first ones to be approached when there are ongoing problems in the home. But what happens when many people simply want to maintain their anonymity or don’t have a personal Rabbi?

With a holistic approach, the Rabbanim can work in tandem with the individual and/or SHALVA’s counseling team, offering additional support to the Orthodox clients and concerned community members wanting to know how to help.

With the endorsement of leading Chicagoland Rabbanim, the Task Force is comprised of the following Rabbanim, each of whom received extensive training from SHALVA’s clinical and outreach team: Rabbi Eliezer Dimarsky, Rabbi Zvi Engel, Rabbi Baruch Epstein, Rabbi Menachem Fine, Rabbi Shaanan Gelman, Rabbi Aaron Leibtag, Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, Rabbi Moshe Scheinberg, Rabbi Moshe Schmelczer, Rabbi Gershon Schaffel, Rabbi Efraim Twerski, and Rabbi Zvi Zimmerman.

To speak with any of the Orthodox Rabbinic Task Force Rabbis anonymously, please call 855-4SHALVA (474-2582) or call SHALVA at 773-583-HOPE (4673) for additional information.

One does not need to be a SHALVA client to access and utilize this resource. All conversations with SHALVA or any Task Force Rabbis are strictly confidential.

SHALVA is the oldest independent, Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States, which educates thousands of individuals each year about domestic violence in Jewish relationships and provides training for professionals.

As an introduction to the new task force, SHALVA will host a special women’s symposium on Sunday, January 13, featuring Mrs. Lisa Twerski, LCSW.

The symposium will be held in the WiFi Building Beis Medrash, 8170 N. McCormick Boulevard in Skokie.

The morning session will begin at 10:00 on the topic “The Balancing Act,” and will be followed by a panel discussions and Q&A with the Task Force Rabbis and clinicians.

The afternoon session will begin at 2:00, on the topic, “Demystifying Dating,” and is open to mothers and daughters, and will be followed by a Q&A session.

For more information, please contact events@shalvaonline.org or 773-583-4673.

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