Confronting Mental Health Issues:
The Rabbi’s Role
In a 2015 survey, almost 1 out 5 of adults ages 18 and over in the U.S. had coped with a mental illness within the past year. (Source: National Institutes of Health)
That means at a shul Kiddush of 100 people, almost 20 of the congregants may be suffering from a mental illness.
Leaders in the mental health field and experienced rabbis will provide guidance and direction regarding the rabbi’s role in confronting issues of mental health. Depression, ADHD, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety, and suicidality are among the topics that will be addressed, providing rabbis with an overview of these conditions and how they can support congregants and their families in dealing with them.
Sample Topics:
- How to convince a congregant to go for a referral
- Suicide and depression
- ADHD, autism, Asperger’s and inclusion in the community
- Eating disorders
- Addictions: alcohol, drugs, gambling and technology
- Sexual disorders
- Self-injurious behaviors
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety
- Narcissism and paranoia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Psychiatric medications
- Top mental health related halachic questions
9 / 1 HOUR SESSIONS
Course Coordinator:
Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Schwartz
Rabbi, Congregation Adath Israel of the JEC, Clinical Director, Center for Anxiety Relief, Union, NJ