March 16, 2016

The Board of Rabbis of Southern California of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles,

Jewish Family Service L.A./Family Violence Project and Home Shalom

presented

A Yom Iyun on Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community and Helping Teens & Adults

to Create Healthy Relationships

The Board of Rabbis recently presented an informing and moving day on the critical issue of domestic violence and building healthy relationships.

Rabbi Ilana Grinblat began the day with a d’var Torah about the familial violence in Genesis.

The day’s presenters included Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben and Kitty Glass about Home Shalom and the Federation’s work in partnership with Jewish Family services to help people who are suffering from domestic violence. The program included information on the emergency hotline as well as community shelters.

Shari Davis of the LA Jewish Teen Initiative presented about the teen initiative and the work that is being done by the federation to help educate teens about how to create healthy relationships.

Rabbi/Dr. Elliot Dorff gave an informative presentation offering perspectives from Jewish sources on the issues involved with family dynamics and fostering healthy relationships rather than violence in families.

The day concluded with a moving performance by Naomi Ackerman of “Flowers Aren’t Enough,” a monologue which tells the story of Michal, a young woman who finds herself in an abusive relationship. The monologue is woven from true stories and actual incidents shared by women willing to talk about their experiences. This show has been performed over 1,000 times worldwide – including at the United Nations in honor of International Women’s day.

Funding was provided for ten communities to bring the show and Naomi’s relationship building program for teens to their synagogue. To learn more about the play or to watch a sample from it, click here.

Watch the YouTube Video of the Yom Iyun here.

Topics of the Day Included:

• What to do when a victim discloses
• Warning signs of unhealthy relationships: verbal & emotional abuse
• Recognizing spousal/partner abuse
• Bringing workshops on healthy relationships for teens to synagogues
• Resources and Referrals