(Courtesy of Shalom Task Force) A standing room-only crowd of over 350 women participated in this year’s United Task Force’s Annual Catskills Nine Days Conference, which took place at the Fallsview Estate Shul. The United Task Force in collaboration with Hatzalah, MASK, OHEL and Shalom Task Force hosted this event on Tuesday August 6, 2019. The United Task Force is a coalition of over 40 social service and mental health agencies serving the Orthodox community.

This exciting event featured Dr. David Pelcovitz, Straus Chair in Psychology and Education, Azrieli Graduate School. The title of his talk was: “When Did Honor Thy Children Become One of the Ten Commandments? How to Instill Gratitude and Respect in our Kids: Setting Healthy Boundaries and Modeling Safe Behaviors.” The lecture was followed by roleplays and a panel discussion featuring Hindie M. Klein, PsyD, director of clinical projects at OHEL; Faye Zakheim, PhD, chair of the United Task Force and associate professor at NYU; and Shoshannah D. Frydman, PhD, LCSW, executive director of Shalom Task Force.

The focus of the day was to empower parents to create healthy and safe boundaries with their children in order for children to learn to tolerate frustration and grow to become healthy and responsible adults. Dr. Pelcovitz brilliantly wove Torah and psychological sources, teaching practical skills and addressing the needs of the audience. The panel responded to compelling questions from the audience that relate to today’s parenting struggles, including dealing with modeling appropriate alcohol consumptions, how to join with your spouse in unified parenting, setting age-appropriate responsibilities and dealing with concerning behaviors.