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O C TO B E R 1 , 2 021 | 2 5 TIS H RE I 578 2 | VO L. 1 01 | NO. 49 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 6: 47 P.M.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Opening minds Page 4
BETH KUJATH, LMHP, LCSW Jewish Family Service Therapist ctober is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence is also referred to as “intimate partner violence,” as it occurs more frequently among married, dating or intimate partners. It is defined as when an individual establishes and maintains power and control over their partner through physical, sexual, emotional or financial means. The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) defines it as “a pattern of coercive and assaultive behaviors that one former or current intimate partner uses against the other.” Every 24 minutes someone is a victim of physical violence, rape or stalking in the U.S. according to the CDC. Women are more likely to be victims
O Additions to the Kripke Library’s collection Page 5
Mallorca’s Jews’ triumph over the Spanish Inquisition Page 12
while risk of death goes up when the victim is trying to leave the abusive situation or the abuser is being served court orders (divorce papers, a protection order or custody paperwork). Why does an abuser abuse their partner? It is their decision to choose violence. Alcohol, drugs, low income, unemployment, stress or mental illness do not cause violence. Oftentimes, abuse occurs in multiple ways and can look different for each relationship. When one abusive tactic no longer works, they will move on to another to get the desired results. What can you do? Hold the abuser accountable. Domestic violence is never “caused” by the victim. Shift the blame away from the victim and ask, “Why doesn’t the abuser stop?” Be an up-stander, rather than a bystander. Don’t look the other way when you notice someone may be a See Domestic Violence Awareness page 3
100 Days of Impact Chesed Center The CDC on
Mental Health
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental and social well-being. WHY IS MENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT FOR OVERALL HEALTH? Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic See Mental Health page 2
SAM KRICSFELD Chesed Center, created by Garin Ometz Akko, is just one of the programs benefitted by your support of the JFO Annual Campaign. Your support helps provide food and clothing for the needy in Akko. Chesed means loving kindness. The Chesed Center aims to provide that to the underprivileged in Akko by supplying food, secondhand clothing and more. According to Chesed Center Grant Manager, Reut Gets, it is the leading project
in the Akko area and becomes a major supporter of the city’s needs during times of crisis. “In Akko there are many needy families, for whom the Chesed Center is the only hope of providing sustenance for their empty pantries,” Gets said. “The recipients come to the Center to receive food packages with fresh vegetables, canned and dry foods, and sometimes meat and poultry for the holidays. These families deal with palpable hunger.” See 100 Days of Impact page 3
