With All Your Soul - to heal, to grow, to live…
This active committee identifies difficult transition times in life and provides programs to help strengthen individuals and families, from single parents, to parents of teenagers, empty nesters, children caring for parents, and the bereaved. W.A.Y.S. programs include:
Yoga Classes
Congregation Beth Israel will again offer a Yoga course led by instructors from jennyoga. Classes will be on Sundays starting January 10, from 9:30am to 10:30am for five consecutive weeks. The enrollment fee is $35 (no make up sessions allowed). Sign up by calling Rabbi Adrienne Scott at 713-771-6221 x329 or email her Assistant Jayne Nathan: jnathan@beth-israel.org.
Bereavement Support Group
The Caring Community of Congregation Beth Israel invites all who have experienced the loss of a loved one to join its Bereavement Support Group. Please check our website calendar for upcoming meeting times. Elaine Frankel, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in illness, death, dying and grief therapy will facilitate the group. Support and educational information on the grieving process will be provided as well as rabbinic input throughout the process.
If you are interested in joining the group or in getting more information, please call Rabbi Scott at 713-771-6221 x329 or e-mail her Assistant at: jnathan@beth-israel.org. Anyone in the community who would benefit from this group is welcome to attend. Spaces are limited so please call as soon as possible.
Men’s Night Out
This Men’s group provides an opportunity for men to discuss normal problems of life whether in their work life or personal life. This is a rare opportunity among men to discuss life in depth with other men. This is not a drop-in group; participants are asked to attend consistently and new members are not added after the group begins. Topics range from marriage to divorce, from personal issues like anger or depression to relationship difficulties in family or at work. Many prior members return for each new series and openly welcome newcomers who have not typically discussed life with other men. A nominal fee will be charged. For more information, please contact Jayne Nathan at (713) 771-6221 X329 or jnathan@beth-israel.org.
Divorce Support Group
We usually deal with common issues and concerns of those going through a divorce or post divorce in a supportive and friendly environment. If you are interested in attending or need more information, please contact Rabbi Scott at jnathan@beth-israel.org or by calling, (713) 771-6221, x. 329. There is no charge to members; a donation of $36 is assessed to non-members.
Other Support Group Classes
Throughout the year, the committee organizes various support group classes to deal with diverse topics ranging from issues affecting healthy relationships and partnerships among young marrieds, parents, caregivers, divorced couples and children, and many others.
Domestic Violence
Shalom Bayit or Peace in the Home
Beth Israel is a charter member of this group which raises awareness of domestic violence in Jewish homes. Domestic abuse is defined as a pattern of coercive behavior by one partner to dominate another. It cuts across all socioeconomic, educational, racial and religious lines. Jewish families are no exception. There is no justification. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the 24-Hour Crisis Hot Line at the Houston Area Women’s Center 713-528-2121 or 800-256-0551. More information is available in pamphlets in the Temple’s Women’s restrooms. Your rabbis and your congregation are here for you. Please call.