(Courtesy of Project S.A.R.A.H.) Every year, Project S.A.R.A.H. (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home) unites rabbis and other community leaders across all denominations under the message that they are intolerant of domestic violence and sexual abuse. This campaign coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness month. This year, Project S.A.R.A.H. was able to unite many more partners than in years past. The campaign, launched before Rosh Hashanah on social media, included a Sukkot message from 12 different rabbis across northern New Jersey, vocalizing their support of Many Voices, One Message (MVOM).

Historically, the MVOM campaign unites religious leaders across denominations and synagogues and schools, like the Frisch School in Bergen County, by adding their names to an ad that Project S.A.R.A.H. takes out in local Jewish publications. This year, along with the ad, Project S.A.R.A.H. included a digital campaign.

The goal of this campaign is two-fold. The first objective is to raise awareness amongst Jewish leaders in order to help educate them and raise awareness about the resources Project S.A.R.A.H. provides survivors of abuse. The second objective is to alert survivors via local allied community leaders, in order to get them the assistance and resources they may need.

This year, 138 rabbis and community leaders pledged to support this campaign. These leaders were also approached to commit to providing resources, and talking to their congregations and community surrounding the realities of domestic violence and sexual abuse. As a direct result of this campaign, Project S.A.R.A.H. has already been able to provide support to individuals who have been suffering with abuse.

“Often we note that Domestic Violence Awareness month coincides with Mar (bitter) Cheshvan, but knowing that so many leaders around New Jersey were willing to come together to stand against domestic violence and sexual abuse is enough to help alleviate some of that bitterness,” said Shira Pomrantz, LCSW, director of Project S.A.R.A.H.

This November, Project S.A.R.A.H. is starting two groups to help survivors of abuse. The first group is for adult survivors of sexual abuse and the second group is a support group for women who have been in high-conflict relationships. Project S.A.R.A.H. also provides free therapy for survivors, as well as support to leave abusive situations, access kosher meals at shelters and much more.

Contact [email protected] or (973)777-7638 x 643 for more information.