Spiritual and Emotional Support for Those Hurt in the War

V'Ahavta

The Masorti Conservative Congregation in Zichron Yaakov

 The Chaplaincy and Healing Center

Background
We all hope that the cease fire will hold, and that the fears of renewed fighting in the near future will not materialized. We are now dealing with the complex and painful rehabilitation which inevitably follows any war, but more so now, since this was a war like no other in our history (except for the war of independence, 57 years ago).

Many homes have been damaged. They will be renovated with government funds.  On the other hand, there will be neither awareness nor government funds available to address the emotional trauma many people have suffered over the last month.  Only those who have been damaged in a critical sense (e.g. due to a Katyusha impact, and were diagnosed as "anxiety victims") are eligible for organized treatment (though not necessarily extended treatment).  Everyone else will be expected to return quickly to their normal routine, as if nothing has happened. 

But inside, the soul has been shattered! There are acute side affects that will arise immediately—bed-wetting, nightmares, panic attacks every time that one hears an ambulance siren or a sound that is similar to warning siren.  There will also be "gentler" side affects that will appear a little bit later:  increased fatigue, apathy, general pessimism, suspicion, hyper-activity, unexplained weeping; on the physical level:  headaches, digestion problems, etc.  There are symptoms, which are connected to the situation of the war, that may seem even more incidental, but they too are real and they are proven:  increased aggression, domestic abuse, an attitude of: "grab as much as we can get because tomorrow we could die . . . ", etc.

Trauma research shows that the sooner treatment is provided following the traumatic event, the less likely post-traumatic syndrome may develop.

Unfortunately, as we are dealing with such a large population, the government's ability to provide an address for all these needs is severely limited.  Therefore, it is our intention to offer the services of our congregation, both our human resources and our physical resources, by giving spiritual and emotional support to those who experienced the terror of the past month, and also to IDF soldiers and their families.

The Chaplaincy and Healing Center
Congregation V'Ahavta established the Chaplaincy and Healing Center a few months before the war broke out in the north of Israel.  The center is prepared to take on the work of spiritual and emotional rehabilitation for those who are interested.  Clearly, we are not in a position to reach all 2 million people who have been affected by this war. By the same token, not everyone has been affected in the same way or will need the same sort of treatment.  Our intention is to reach out to the most people possible according to the limits of our budget.

Description of the Project
Groups of 15-20 adults will be invited from the north for two days of spiritual healing in Zichron Yaakov.  These two days will include:

a.      a strengthening workshop,

b.      study of methods of coping with stress and panic, and

c.      a variety of treatments—both group and individual.

Lodging will be arranged at basic bed and breakfast establishments in Zichron Yaakov, with full board.  The workshops will be run by two professionals:

1) the spiritual leader of the congregation, Rabbi Elisha Wolfin who works in the field of spiritual and emotional support; and who also works with bereaved families of Israel's military, and

2) a social worker who directs Congregation V'Ahavta's Chaplaincy and Healing Center. 

The workshop will be experiential and holistic —engaging the body, soul and spirit.  Judaic sources will be interwoven into the program as will creative, egalitarian prayer, workshops, physical activity and an excursion into nature.

If the budget is available we will be able to engage additional professionals.

Zichron Yaakov is located near the northern communities. It is a desired and popular tourism destination; people will most likely consider the location desirable as a place for two days of rehabilitation and healing.

Target Population
Each group will be comprised of 15 people over the age of 21.  We are reaching out to three target groups:

1. Sections of the population who suffered from intense pressure and panic at the time of the war and turned for treatment to one of the trauma treatment centers (emergency rooms, various mental health clinics).
2. The Masorti Movement has suggested that we offer this service to the members of our congregations in the north (Kfar Vradim, Kiryat Bialik, Tsfat, Karmiel, Upper Nazereth), and we agreed willingly. 
3. It is also possible to invite IDF Reservists and their partners, who also endured a difficult time of worry and anxiety during the fighting.

The number of groups we can accommodate will depend on the budget.  Our estimated budget below is for 20 groups.

Funders may choose to fund:

• one session for 15-20 people ($2,555),

• several sessions (multiply $2,555 by the number of sessions to be funded),

• or even one single participant ($170).

All contributions are tax deductible by American IRS code.