The Third Annual Shalom Task Force brunch will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2015. This year’s brunch will honor the esteemed Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, a pioneer in creating awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse. Mrs. Sheila Selig will receive the Community Leadership award. The Dedicated Service award will pay tribute to Mrs. Joyce Austein.
In 1992, when domestic violence was still a taboo topic, a group of women responded to evidence of domestic violence in the Orthodox community by creating the confidential Shalom Task Force Hotline. Since then, more than 18,000 callers have benefited from the advice and support of the highly trained advocates who answer the phone calls, helping callers who seek a sympathetic ear, need referrals or information, or are questioning unhealthy aspects of their marriage. As Rav Pam said at the inaugural Rabbinical Conference: “Previously, these women had no address. They now have a place to turn.”
Shortly after its formation, Shalom Task Force expanded its mission to include services to help prevent further cases of domestic violence. The Bertha Kaufman Educational Awareness Program was established to educate high school and post high school women about healthy relationships. The programs are offered annually in high schools, seminaries and colleges in the U.S. and Israel. They reach over 1,000 young women annually. Under the guidance of leading Rabbanim, an educational program for young men was created, and is used regularly in Batei Medrash. The program provides tools for identifying one’s emotions and understanding the dynamics of healthy relationships.
Reaching out to immigrant groups whose needs were not being served, Shalom Task Force created culturally specific programs for the Bucharian and Persian communities. The specific concerns of each group were addressed in a respectful and collaborative manner.
How could we help couples to build a healthy marriage? This was the goal of Shalom Workshops. The program teaches the art of effective communication, and gives engaged and married couples practical tools to build a strong marriage.
A recent addition to the programs of Shalom Task Force is Sarah’s Voice, which provides free legal services to victims of domestic abuse. To date, the service has assisted close to 500 survivors with free, comprehensive legal services. Services include orders of protection, divorce assistance, and custody negotiations.
In 2014. Shalom Task Force was named “one of North America’s most impactful Jewish organizations” by Slingshot, A Resource Guide to Jewish Innovation. Every year, this publication recognizes the most inspiring and innovative organizations, projects, and programs which have a direct impact on young women in the North American Jewish community today. Their commendation stated: “Shalom Task Force provides unique and previously unavailable services to a vulnerable segment of our community.”
The brunch on Sunday May 3, at 10 AM, will be hosted at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst. For reservations, or to make a donation, please visit www.ShalomTaskForce.org.
