Healing the World | Post-Its

Empowering Jewish Interpersonal Violence Survivors: LEAH and MyZuzah

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona (JFCS) through its Let’s End Abusive Households (LEAH) program has forged a powerful partnership with MyZuzah to uplift Jewish survivors of interpersonal violence. This collaboration focuses on providing kosher, fair-trade mezuzahs to individuals and families who have endured interpersonal abuse, offering them both a symbolic and practical source of comfort and protection as they rebuild their lives.

MyZuzah, renowned for ensuring every Jewish home is adorned with a mezuzah, extends its mission to include victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. Understanding the unique challenges faced by these individuals, MyZuzah provides these mezuzahs free of charge, meeting kosher standards and supporting fair-trade practices, in line with their commitment to ethical sourcing.

The mezuzah holds profound significance in Jewish tradition, symbolizing protection and unity from the times of the Exodus to present-day Jewish homes worldwide. By affixing a mezuzah on their doorposts, survivors of interpersonal violence reclaim a sense of safety and belonging within their community.

JFCS’s LEAH program plays a pivotal role in supporting Jewish individuals and families affected by interpersonal violence. In addition to offering intensive therapy and counseling, LEAH conducts educational workshops for the whole community to raise awareness and break the silence surrounding interpersonal violence. These workshops cover critical topics such as the impact of violence on children and families, overcoming stigma and self-blame, fostering healthy relationships, and integrating Jewish values into everyday life.

LEAH also serves as a vital resource hub, providing information, referrals, and advocacy to empower survivors navigating the complexities of interpersonal violence. By addressing multifaceted needs, LEAH creates a supportive environment where healing and resilience can flourish.

Through its collaboration with MyZuzah, JFCS’s LEAH program enhances its support services and reinforces the message of solidarity within the Jewish community. This partnership not only offers practical assistance but also provides spiritual and emotional support to survivors of interpersonal violence.

Together, LEAH and MyZuzah exemplify the power of collective action in uplifting and empowering survivors. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to ensuring every Jewish individual feels protected and valued, irrespective of their circumstances. By providing tangible symbols of faith and resilience, LEAH and MyZuzah contribute to the ongoing journey of healing and renewal for Jewish interpersonal violence survivors.

For more information about LEAH and MyZuzah, please visit their respective websites.