Nefesh, Hebrew for spirit of life or breath of life.
The Nefesh Committee, part of our Gateways Initiative,
provides information, resources and programming to
nourish the mind, body and soul of the
members of the Beth Chaim family.
Nefesh Quote of the Month
When we are depleted of our own resources, we are incapable of providing for those around us. - Rabbi Lauren Eichler Berkun
From every human being there rises a light
Baal Shem Tov
Wellness: Mind, Body, Soul
Spiritual Physical
Intellectual Social
LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES
KESHET
"...works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life."
HI-TOPS
"...non-profit organization that fosters strong and healthy young people of all identities by providing inclusive and youth informed sex education and LGBTQ+ support for young people throughout NJ
609-683-5155
GOOD GRIEF
"Helps to create a more supportive environment for grieving children and families."
908-522-1999
CORNER HOUSE
"...a non-profit counseling agency for adolescents, young adults, and their families with substance abuse and family crisis issues."
PROJECT SARAH
(Stop Abusive Relationships at Home) part of JFCS "...addresses issues relating to domestic abuse occurring within the Jewish community."
Contact - Debra Levenstein
877-408-5327
609-987-8100
AIR
(Attitudes in Reverse)
"...mission of AIR is to educate society about mental health....strives to provide unlimited mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs to youth and young adults.
609-945-3200
DOROT
"...works with older adults who range in age from 60 to over 100 – a majority in their 80s. They vary in physical mobility, economic status and backgrounds."
212-769-2850
COVID Resources and Information
FEMA COVID-19 FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
FEMA Covid-19 Funeral Assistance Application Information
RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program offers emotional support services, education and community-based resources for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click Here for Free Weekly Virtual Support Groups
drugwatch offers a Consumer's Guide to the Coronavirus. Find important updates on vaccines, testing and treatments and learn ways to maintain good physical and mental health during the pandemic.
Click here for the Consumer's Guide
Anxiety and Depression Guide During COVID-19
Articles
A quick reference to guide parents in managing their children’s concerns and questions related to pandemic.
Dear Therapist’s Guide to Staying Sane During a Pandemic
You can let anxiety consume you, or you can feel the fear and also find joy in ordinary life, even now.
Taking care of yourself during the pandemic, from head to toe
Take a step back and pay attention to your mental and physical needs during this time. You’ll be glad you did.
Spiritual Wisdom and Guidance
How Do We Heal?
A Message from Jewish Family & Children's Services
Healing, one of our agency’s three core values, is derived from the Jewish value Tikkun Olam.
Tikkun Olam - Healing the World, the concept can seem overwhelming in the best of times, for as much as we try, there is always healing needed.
Where do we even begin?
First, we must be sure we heal from within. We must prioritize our own mental health and well-being before looking to give of ourselves to others. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
If you are seeking extra support during these difficult times...
JFCS Phone Drop-In Hours - 609-987-8100 Dial 0
Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 AM - 12 PM
Tue & Thu: 5 - 7 PM
NJ Suicide Prevention Hopeline - 1-855-654-6735
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
VIDEO, MEDIA AND INTERACTIVE RESOURCES
MIND
Temple Emanuel - Streicker Center - At the Streicker Center, the mission is to offer programs that spark curiosity, engage the intellect and infuse our lives with rich Jewish culture.
55 Plus - Provides a venue for interested persons to interact socially, attend lectures on interesting topics, and become involved in a variety of community activities. Look at the Menu on the left of their web page to find recordings of recent meetings on a variety of topics and a range of speakers.
Barnes Museum Takeout - Your Daily Servings of Art - Presentations on exhibits and artists shown at the Barnes Museum in Philadelphia
Rutgers Senior Audit Program - Permits retired New Jersey residents, age 62 or older, to audit courses on a space-available, noncredit basis. There are no tuition costs for auditing courses. Senior auditors do not receive academic credit for audited course.
How To Deal With Anxiety - Facts and coping strategies to help with dealing with anxiety from Drug Watch
BODY
Amazon - If you have Amazon Prime or an Amazon Firestick you have access to fitness videos ranging from children’s yoga to strength training to Zumba!-
Yoga With Adriene - Enjoy several different yoga routines on YouTube with Adriene
The Israel Culinary Trip 2021-
A Streicker Center Event
YUMMLY! - Takes perfect comfort food recipes and makes them healthier.
SOUL
iBreathe - Simple guided breathing
The Tapping Solution - Tapping, also known as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), is a powerful stress relief technique.
Meditation Sites
Live (sign up for live Zoom on IJS site
or can go to recorded on Facebook)
Parent Support Articles
What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary :
Parenting: Difficult Conversations
Some advice on how to explain this difficult situation to your
children. - NPR.com
What I Learned as a Parent of a Transgender Child
by Paria Hassouri, M.D.
A parent describes her own transition toward acceptance of
her child’s identity.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit)
...provides advocacy support, networking and information to those affected by ADHD in your community.
Any Questions:Janemilrod@gmail.com
609-731-7556
Free support groups 2x week on zoom
To register and get the zoom link:
Group for adults with ADHD
Every Monday 7:30-9:30pm
Group for parents of child with ADHD
Every Thursday 7:30-9:30pm
ADHD and Executive Function Deficits Presentation (click the icon)
Free Support for Addiction Recovery