2^nd Group coordinated by Jewish Community Healing Program 

By Mara Koven Gelman

Anyone who has to care for a loved one knows it is an important mitzvah, but it can also be incredibly lonely and challenging. The Jewish Community Healing Project has made one of its top priorities to help caregivers. It is organizing a 6-week support group to provide support and a place where caregivers can be heard and focus on themselves. It will be co-facilitated by Chaplain Sara Schultz and Geriatrician Dr. Robert Stall.

Whether someone is caring for a chronically ill child, parent, spouse or sibling there are common feelings and struggles. In a Jewish context we are taught to honor our family members but we are also taught that we have to take care of ourselves.

It is summed up by the Jewish sage Rabbi Hillel: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" Each statement is absolutely important and can not be disregarded.

The six week session will be held at Weinberg Campus (Card Room at Dosberg), Tuesdays September 21 - October 26, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions. Topics to be explored include: coping with stress, family issues, navigating community resources, guilt, taking care of oneself, and Jewish aspect of caregiving. The fee is $60 including materials and refreshments. All are accepted regardless of ability to pay.  To register, please contact, Kimberly Bump Jewish Family Service, at 883-1914 ext. 325.

The Jewish Community Healing Project consists of a range of congregations, synagogue, Temples and a Havurah, coordinated by Jewish Family Service. It is a collaborative initiative aimed at helping Jews meet spiritual and social challenges resulting from loss, illness, frailty and disability, life transitions, and adversity.   The Project has also helped coordinate Pesach meals (lead synagogue - Jewish Discovery Center) to over 60 elderly in Buffalo, and ran a bereavement support group in the Spring 2010.