For survivors of sexual abuse, the trauma often extends beyond the act itself, into a profound sense of isolation and silence. This is particularly true within the Jewish community, where stigma and shame frequently prevent individuals from seeking the support they need. Yet, amidst this landscape, one organization is making a significant impact: Ray of Hope. Founded in 2019, Ray of Hope has emerged as a crucial lifeline for Jewish survivors of sexual abuse, providing them with a sense of community, validation, and healing that many have never experienced before.
Ray of Hope began humbly when its founder, Zeldy Broyde, realized there were no existing support groups for Orthodox Jewish survivors of abuse. Broyde recalled immediately calling a friend and saying, “I want to do something to help survivors of sexual abuse on their healing journeys.” Yet, with no training or experience in mental health work, she says, “I didn’t know what I could do. But I knew something needed to change. People should not have to suffer in silence.” She decided to enlist a therapist she knew and create a space where survivors could find understanding and connection.
Initially starting with just ten women, Ray of Hope has grown exponentially in the five short years it has operated. They now offer over 20 support groups, both virtual and in-person. The groups separately serve both female and male survivors, as well as spouses of survivors. Alongside Brody, Ray of Hope now boasts a Chief Clinical Officer, a full operational staff, 18 experienced licensed clinicians, as well as a respected rabbinical board and a team of clinical advisors.
The mission of the organization is simple yet profound: to provide a space where survivors can connect with others who have had similar experiences, share their stories, and heal as a community. As David Kohn, chief clinical officer of Ray of Hope, explained, “There’s an essential aspect of healing that goes beyond therapy—it’s the sense of isolation that needs to be addressed. People are walking around with this burden of shame and stigma, and it’s our mission to create a community where they can feel seen, heard, and cared for.”
The support groups at Ray of Hope are not therapy sessions but professionally facilitated spaces where survivors can engage in peer-to-peer support. This format allows participants to share their experiences, not as patients, but as equals, finding solidarity in one another’s stories. As Kohn described, “There’s something incredibly powerful about allowing survivors to simply be with one another, to listen and support each other in a way that no therapist can replicate. The magic often happens when we, as facilitators, step back and let the group do what it does best—create connections.”
The impact of these groups is clear in the voices of the survivors themselves. One member, named Shua, recounted how before joining his men’s group, “it was a very, very lonely and painful way to live.” Bassy, a member of one of the women’s groups, recalled how Ray of Hope helped her reclaim her life after years of suffering from PTSD: “For a very long time, I didn’t want people to see me, I didn’t want to be around anyone. But joining Ray of Hope shifted something inside me. I started to feel like I wasn’t alone anymore. Now I can really live and love life.”
The organization’s reach has expanded in ways that Broyde could never have imagined in those early days. In addition to the support groups, Ray of Hope offers an array of services, including care packages, trauma-informed yoga, healing retreats, and even shabbatons. For those who may not be ready to participate in a group setting, there are other opportunities for connection, including newsletters featuring survivor stories, poetry, and art, as well as a mentorship program that pairs individuals further along in their healing journeys with those just beginning.
As a facilitator for Ray of Hope, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound transformation that takes place in these groups. Participants come from all walks of life—some have been in dozens of support groups, while for others, this is their first time speaking about their trauma. Despite their differences, each person brings an incredible depth of wisdom and courage. Watching these groups of strangers form powerful bonds of trust and understanding, often across geographical and cultural divides, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Despite hailing from various religious backgrounds, each participant contributes to a shared journey of healing, proving that while the trauma may vary, the need for connection is universal.
One of the most moving aspects of this work is witnessing the bravery it takes for survivors to show up, not only for themselves but also for each other. It’s one thing to open up about your own pain, but it’s another level of courage entirely to hold space for others as they share their darkest experiences, knowing how triggering those stories might be. Yet, time and again, participants rise to this challenge, offering the kind of validation and support many have never received from their families or communities.
As Kohn put it, “Shame exists in darkness. But when we shine a light on it, it disappears. That’s what Ray of Hope does—we create spaces where people no longer have to hide, where they can be seen, heard, and supported.”
Ray of Hope runs almost entirely on private donations. They have just completed a major fundraising campaign to raise awareness and funds. While donations are always welcomed, there are other ways to support the organization as well. Whether through volunteering, referring an individual who has experienced abuse, or simply spreading the word, every act makes a difference. As Broyde emphasized, “Survivors of sexual abuse cannot and should not go through this journey alone. We, as a community, have an obligation to be there for them.”
Ray of Hope has illuminated a path forward for so many, offering a warm, bright light for those who once thought they were lost in darkness. No one has to walk this path alone.
For more information, to access support, donate, or get involved, visit www.rayofhopeus.org, call (845) 600-1185, or email [email protected]
Dr. Bin Goldman is a clinical psychologist. He works with adults and children in private practice, in Teaneck, New Jersey and the Upper West Side. He writes and speaks about mental health, Torah and spirituality.
