Community unites for Jami Mental Health Awareness Shabbat

The mental health service for the Jewish community marked its seventh annual Awareness Shabbat on the 20 and 21 January.

The initiative, set up by Jami to raise awareness of mental health, is supported by hundreds of synagogues, schools, youth groups, universities, organisations, individuals and families throughout the community, who came together to mark its Mental Health Awareness Shabbat (MHAS).

The event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to focus on their own mental health and wellbeing of themselves and others.

Laurie Rackind, chief executive of Jami, reflecting on the “huge strides” taken by the community in recent years to raise the profile of mental health, said: “There is no doubt that by coming together to talk and learn about mental health, we gain more power as individuals and as groups to support all those around us. Feeling comfortable to openly talk about the problems we are having, in the same way we may talk about physical illness, brings us closer to creating a more accepting and inclusive community where no one has to feel alone in their struggles.”

Leading up to the weekend, Jami ran a series of events, including a Zoom webinar in conversation with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig on the intersection of mental health and Judaism, and a United Synagogue’s MHAS Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Daniel Epstein of Western Marble Arch synagogue.

Jami’s online night school explored Jewish identity and mental health and the charity hosted a community gathering at its newly-expanded and renovated Head Room café in Golders Green on Sunday 22 January.

A number of Jami staff delivered age-appropriate sessions around mental health at Immanuel College, Hasmonean High School for Girls, and Hasmonean High School for Boys, and gave talks at various synagogues.

At the Jewish Life Centre and at Hendon United synagogue, Rabbi Shalom Hammer gave a poignant account of what led to the tragic end of his daughter’s life and highlighted the many issues surrounding mental health challenges. And at the Saatchi Shul, a Milkshakes and Mindfulness session was organised, while members of South London Liberal Synagogue created mosaic coasters for mental health. Jewish Care’s Ronson Family Community Centre held a three-day mental health awareness event, featuring awareness workshops, practical advice, yoga and mindfulness sessions.