WL Mishpachah

The Mishpachah Committee:

The main function of this committee is to present programs that relate to the Modern Jewish Family. Each program will focus on a challenge or issue that families face today. Additionally, a second purpose of the committee is to provide further information on the topic being presented so that Sisterhoods/Affiliates and Regions can access this information easily when they wish to provide unique and interesting programs on an as-needed basis.

Mishpachah Chair:

Fran Hildebrandt, fshildebrandt@gmail.com

Dates to Remember:

May 23, 2022, 7:30 PM ET – Mishpachah: The Modern Jewish Family – Can We Talk? Developing Communication Skills to Use During Difficult Times

It’s my partner’s birthday. How do I discuss a celebration with my family? There’s my older daughter who has two unvaccinated preschool children that she worries about; my vaccinated son who is a nurse and could still be exposed to COVID at work; my younger daughter who works in a place where no one wears a mask, and their vaccination status is unknown; and my sister-in-law who is still deciding whether to get vaccinated and wears a mask indoors but not outdoors. How can I make this work?

This is just one example of situations facing families today that creates conflict.

What can we do to restore and rebuild communication within our families? When disagreements exist, how do we create safe environments that empower us to navigate our differences? How do we enable our divided family members to talk to each other? How do we create bridges and tear down barriers?

We are joined by psychologist Dr. Alison Block of Health Psychology Center who discussed communication problems/issues and the conflict resolution strategies we can apply when our family members disagree with each other.

To view recording, CLICK HERE.

October 6, 2022 7:30 PM ET – Sharsheret: How to Best Support a Loved One Facing Cancer

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. We all know someone who has faced a cancer diagnosis, and for someone facing cancer support from friends and family is critically important. We often assume that supporting someone in need is instinctive, and that we know the best way to help. That is not always the case. Join us for a presentation from Melissa Rosen, Director of Training and Education at Sharsheret, to learn the best ways to support a community member, friend or loved one facing cancer or other serious illness. Concrete, practical tips will be offered.

Sharsheret is a national non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer through personalized, culturally meaningful support and saves lives through educational outreach. While their expertise is with women and Jewish families as related to breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  Sharsheret programs serve all individuals.

To view recording, CLICK HERE.

February 9, 2023 7:30 PM ET – Mishpachah: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Concepts.

Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities
Building Bridges . . . Creating Community

We live in a world in which our family members may be exploring new identities. Words like “cisgender, nonbinary, transgender and queer” (to name a few) may feel new to us. We seek greater understanding. To support our LGBTQ+ family members, we can learn about identity terms we may not yet have encountered. Some of us may also struggle with what appropriate pronouns to use. We will have the opportunity to learn affirming language and correct pronoun usage, Join Keshet and WLCJ for a two-part series which will provide us with foundational knowledge and shared language, so that we can better understand and affirm the important people in our lives. Attend both sessions or choose the one that interests you. Please be aware that the second session is predicated on the knowledge presented at the first one.

Topic: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Identities

This training is designed to familiarize participants with the basics of building LGBTQ+ equality and belonging. Join our co- facilitators, Jackie Maris (pronouns: she/her/hers), Chicago Education and Training Manager, Rakhel Silverman (pronouns: they/them/theirs), New York Education and Training Manager as we cover LGBTQ+ terms and concepts. Bring your questions and concerns with you.

To view recording, CLICK HERE.

April 23, 2023 7:30 PM ET – Mishpachah: Going Deeper – LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns.

Exploring LGBTQ+ Identities
Building Bridges . . . Creating Community

We live in a world in which our family members may be exploring new identities. Words like “cisgender, nonbinary, transgender and queer” (to name a few) may feel new to us. We seek greater understanding. To support our LGBTQ+ family members, we can learn about identity terms we may not yet have encountered. Some of us may also struggle with what appropriate pronouns to use. We will have the opportunity to learn affirming language and correct pronoun usage, Join Keshet and WLCJ for a two-part series which will provide us with foundational knowledge and shared language, so that we can better understand and affirm the important people in our lives. Attend both sessions or choose the one that interests you. Please be aware that the second session is predicated on the knowledge presented at the first one.

Topic: Going Deeper – LGBTQ+ Language & Pronouns

This training will focus on equipping participants to be active allies to the LGBTQ+ community, specifically through language and pronoun-use. It assumes prior knowledge of the basics of LGBTQ+ identities and concepts, which will be covered in the first workshop. Rakhel Silverman (pronouns: they/them/theirs), New York Education and Training Manager, and Hannah “Hensch” Henschel, Associate Director of Education and Training (pronouns: they/them/theirs) will co-facilitate our discussion and answer our questions.

To view recording, CLICK HERE.