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Clergy represent a unique and powerful resource for survivors of domestic abuse (a pattern of behavior used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner), by responding when made aware of it and in speaking out to encourage survivors to come forward.

According to JWI’s National Needs Assessment, two-thirds of clergy respondents reported that they have been approached by victims of domestic abuse and were often the first professional the survivor approached.  The response of faith leaders can mean the difference between staying in an abusive relationship or leaving.

JWI’s Clergy Task Force (CTF)

JWI’s CTF is a diverse and inclusive group of rabbis and cantors promoting awareness of, and responsiveness to, this difficult issue through study guides, workshops, liturgical innovations and advocacy.

The CTF is committed to fostering a trauma-informed approach that centers survivors and ensures they receive the support they need.

To apply to be a member of the CTF, click here.

JWI’s 2021 National Needs Assessment on Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community  

JWI’s in-depth 2021 analysis of survivors’ needs found U.S. Jewish communities substantially lacking in safe shelter, legal services, acknowledgement, support, and more. Our report on this groundbreaking research – the National Needs Assessment of Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community – offers recommendations for new programs, collaborations, and funding priorities to ensure that Jewish survivors can safely remain and thrive in their communities.

Clergy Guide & Tip Sheets on Supporting Survivors

This resource equips clergy with guidance to recognize, respond to, and support individuals experiencing domestic violence. The guide covers the dynamics of abuse, the critical role of faith leaders, and key considerations for offering survivor-centered support. The accompanying tip sheets offers quick steps to help clergy respond in real-time situations.

Liturgical & Lifecycle Resources

A collection of prayers, sermon ideas, and lifecycle resources that clergy can integrate into their own services and teachings to raise awareness about domestic abuse, offer spiritual support to survivors

Text-Based Resources to Discuss Healthy Relationships

These guides and conversation cards combine classic Jewish texts with insights, questions, and ideas to help shape healthier relationships.

Use them in study groups, synagogues, college campuses, at home, or with friends.

  • Download the Shabbat & Holiday Resources for Healthy Relationships

  • Unboxed is a series of card decks inspired by Jewish text and traditions and designed to spark deep, meaningful conversations about family, love, and relationships. There are 52 cards in each deck, each providing an opportunity to spark thoughtful discussion around your views on relationships, your authentic identity, your needs in relationships – and how to meet them. 

    • Gratitude: Filled with inspiring prompts around gratitude from a Jewish lens, for all ages.

    • Wisdom: Sparks conversation aboutJewish wisdom around aging, for adults ages 50+.

    • (Sold out: Shabbat: Infuses Shabbat tradition and wisdom into conversations around healthy relationships.)

    Order Unboxed here.

Webinars

Articles

CTF Membership

  • Interested in joining the Clergy Task Force? Apply here.

    The CTF invites rabbis, cantors, and chaplains to join our work.

  • Co-Chairs
    Rabbi Uri Topolosky
    Kehilat Pardes, Rockville, MD

    Rabbi Mikey Hess Webber
    Columbia Jewish Center, Columbia, MD

    Members
    Cantor Dr. Melissa Adleman
    Jewish Family Chavurah, Brunswick, Maine

    Rabbi Marla R. Hornsten (former co-chair)
    Temple Israel, West Bloomfield, MI

    Rabbi Donna Kirshbaum
    Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation, New Hampshire

    Rabbi Ari Lorge
    Central Synagogue, New York, NY

    Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
    The Beacon Project, Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY

    Rabbi Joshua Rabin
    Astoria Center of Israel, Queens, NY

    Rabbi David M. Rosenberg (former co-chair)
    Jewish Child and Family Services, Chicago, IL

    Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick
    Jewish Family Services, Overland Park, KS

    Rabbi Susan Shankman
    Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, DC

  • Rabbi Richard Address, Philadelphia, PA

    Rabbi Rachel Ain, New York, NY

    Rabbi Joe Black, Denver, CO

    Rabbi Amy Ruth Bolton, New York, NY

    Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, Baltimore, MD

    Rabbi Leah Citrin, Raleigh, NC

    Rabbi Howard Cohen, Marshfield, MA

    Rabbi Mychal Copeland, Stanford, CA

    Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Los Angeles, CA

    Rabbi Mark Dratch, Jerusalem, Israel

    Rabbi Aderet Okon Drucker, The Den Collective, Bethesda, MD

    Rabbi Sean Gorman, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Rabbi Ben Greenberg, Israel

    Rabbi Susan Grossman, Columbia, MD

    Rabbi Ari Hart, Skokie, IL

    Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Wynnewood, PA

    Cantor Deborah Jacobson, Palm Harbor, FL

    Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray, Ridgefield, CT

    Rabbi Esther Lederman, Washington, DC

    Rabbi Diana Monheit, New York, NY

    Rabbi Edythe Mencher, LCSW, New York, NY

    Rabbi Ron Muroff, Chisuk Emuna Congregation, Harrisburg, PA

    Rabbi Steven Reuben, Ph.D., Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades, CA

    Rabbi Nicole K. Roberts, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Rabbi H. David Rose, Potomac, MD

    Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen, Baltimore, MD

    Rabbi Rebecca Sirbu, New York, NY

    Rabbi Andrea Steinberger, Madison, WI

    Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Jerusalem, Israel

    Rabbi Seth Winberg, Brandeis Hillel, Waltham, MA

    Rabbi Irvin Wise, Cincinnati, OH

Here for You

Here for You Communities are local networks of Jewish communal organizations and staff working together to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse and their children are met with safety, compassion, and support at every point of contact.

Click here to learn more.

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Clergy Guide on Domestic Abuse

Domestic Violence Tipsheet for Clergy

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The National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence in the Jewish Community

Unboxed: Opening Deep Conversations

Prayers & Sermons

Resources for Lifecycle Events

Webinars & Articles

Healthy Relationship Holiday Guides