Over the past few months, we have overcome challenges and achieved what we never imagined possible. Many of us have reached a point where we can reflect on experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic. We can look for ways to apply what we learned to improve our present and future. This idea was the inspiration for our upcoming event for kallah teachers and mikvah attendants. The event will provide encouragement and takeaways to support their valuable work with women in the Jewish community.
Project S.A.R.A.H. recognizes that many kallah teachers and mikvah attendants were feeling drained from navigating their home and community responsibilities during the challenging time of this pandemic. Despite the stress, they diligently made sure to provide a calm presence for the women they service. For example, some mikvah attendants had to cover more shifts at the mikvah, due to others being out with COVID-19-related concerns. Kallah teachers went the extra mile to encourage new brides to tap into their strengths and resilience throughout the past distressing months.
It is incredible how attendants continued to keep the mikvahs available to those in need, and how the role of kallah teachers became so vitally important during this period. How can we most effectively support kallah teachers and mikvah attendants throughout this time? How can we give them practical advice for the work they do during this unique time period?
These are the questions we, at Project S.A.R.A.H., ask ourselves in preparation for our annual kallah teacher and mikvah attendant’s workshop. A Zoom conference will be offered to our dedicated and supportive kallah teachers and mikvah attendants on July 28, at 10 a.m. Registration for this event is free of charge and can be made at projectsarah.org.
We are privileged to have Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner, a renowned speaker and kallah teacher, present “Chizuk for Our Role in Kedusha.” Well-known clinical psychologist Rona Novick, PhD, will share some of her expertise by providing us with “Strategies for Navigating Stress in a Challenging Time.” Following will be a Q&A panel discussion with both speakers and Keila Kenner, CPC, a mikvah attendant with 30 years of experience, who has been working through the peak of the COVID crisis.
Project S.A.R.A.H. is extending the opportunity to anyone who would like to partner with us in this important event to sponsor any portion of this event in memory or in honor of someone special in their life. More information may be obtained by contacting us at [email protected] or 973-777-7638, ext. 643.
One incredible advantage of running this program virtually is the opportunity to include kallah teachers and mikvah attendants from all over the world. Participants are given the option of being part of a directory that will be sent out to registrants. Project S.A.R.A.H. is looking forward to sharing thoughts, tips and reflections.
By Shira Pomrantz, LCSW
