HOW JEWISH WISDOM CAN ENHANCE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING A N D J U D AIS M

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1 May 2, :30 AM 4:30 PM Bender JCC in partnership with SCHEDULE 8:30 9:00 AM: CHECK-IN AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 9:00 9:15 AM: OPENING REMARKS 9:15 10:15 AM: KEYNOTE ADDRESS WONDERING JEWS: LESSONS ON FLOURISHING FROM JUDAISM AND THE ROAD Eric Weiner, best-selling author of The Geography of Bliss, The Geography of Genius, and Man Seeks God, will share lessons learned from his research on happiness, spirituality, and creativity. He has traveled the world meeting people of different cultures and religions in an effort to discover who is happy and why, how people thrive, and what forces drive their lives. Weiner, a former Jerusalem correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), will discuss the connection between Judaism and self-transformation: how Jewish culture helps foster creative genius, as well as healthy relationships, and the unexpected benefits of being an outsider. With wisdom and humor, Weiner will share such wisdom as well as personal insights from his journeys that are sure to inform and inspire. Weiner writes a regular travel column for BBC.com. His work also appears in The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and other publications as well as on NPR s Morning Edition. As a long-time foreign correspondent for NPR, Weiner reported from more than 30 nations, from Iraq to Indonesia, covering some of the major international events of recent times. He is the recipient of several journalism awards, including the Angel Award for coverage of Islamic affairs in Asia. When not writing, or thinking about writing, Weiner is an avid cyclist and consumer of sushi (Tekka maki, in particular). He lives in the Washington, DC area, with his wife and daughter and their two rambunctious cats.

2 10:30 AM 12:00 PM: PANEL DISCUSSION APPLYING JEWISH TEACHINGS IN A THERAPEUTIC SETTING This discussion will explore the overlap between the tenets of Judaism and cognitivebehavioral therapy. What is the connection between Jewish beliefs about mental health, such as self-awareness, understanding and accepting behavior, happiness, and striving for change, and the therapeutic work we do with our clients? The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. Moderator: Dahlia Topolosky, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychoeducational assessment and therapy with children, adolescents, and adults at the Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington, a private practice in Rockville. She integrates a variety of techniques, including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and expressive arts, to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. Dr. Topolosky also has a leadership role in the Jewish community, alongside her husband Rabbi Uri Topolosky, who is the rabbi of Kehilat Pardes, the Rock Creek Synagogue. Panelists: Natalie Merkur Rose, LCSW-C, received a master s degree in social work from Columbia University and a master s in Jewish studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has been privileged to have worked in the field of Jewish communal service and mental health for over 25 years. Currently at JSSA, Rose oversees a number of programs, including Synagogue Liaison Program, Clergy Training, and Jewish Chaplaincy Services. Rose also has a private practice in Rockville and DC where she works with individuals, couples, and families on a range of issues. She has special expertise and experience with parenting, grandparenting, interfaith relationships, grief and loss, caregiving, premarital and couples counseling. Rabbi JoHanna Potts is passionate about bringing en-joy-ment to Jewish learning and empowering individuals to create meaning in their lives through Judaism. She has served as COO of The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning and as the Director of Education at Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase. Currently, she is the founder and senior consultant of Advancing Wisdom and Education. Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser joined Washington, DC s Temple Sinai in July 2014 as the associate rabbi and works closely with congregants in the realms of pastoral care and adult education. He is passionate about creating meaningful Jewish experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Rabbi Rosenwasser was ordained in 2009 from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist with a background and expertise in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She conducts psychotherapy in private practice in Rockville. Using a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, Dr. Zucker has helped hundreds of children become anxiety-free by teaching them coping skills, methods for challenging their faulty thinking, and how to systematically face their fears. She is also the author of Anxiety-Free Kids, Take Control of OCD, and Something Very Sad Happened, and the coauthor of Resilience Builder Program for Children and Adolescents and two relaxation CDs.

3 12:00 1:00 PM: LUNCH The Jewish practice of reciting a prayer before eating ( hamotzi ) is reminder to pause and experience gratitude for the food before us. The weekly commandment of the Sabbath ( Shabbat ) also reminds us to unplug and be present in the moment. Both rituals are tools that can help us engage in mindful eating. To help us remember to eat mindfully, Mickie Simon, LICSW, will lead a brief exercise at the start of lunch. 1:15 2:45 PM: WORKSHOP SESSION 1 A) THE JEWISH THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MINDFUL EATING Judaism provides guidance and instruction to help us utilize all of our desires and actions in a holy and enriching way. This workshop will look primarily at Jewish Hassidic and mystical writers who saw eating as a central method of spiritual development and wrote about the philosophy and practicalities of eating as a spiritual practice. 1. Analyze Jewish and mystical thought about the role of eating for one s overall well-being 2. Explore some of the cognitive processes that can free individuals from compulsive eating tendencies 3. Discuss the way in which spiritual practices can affect biological, social, and psychological influences around eating 4. Apply a spiritual understanding of eating to help clients Presenter: Rabbi Hyim Shafner, LICSW, is the rabbi of Kesher Israel in Georgetown. In addition to his rabbinical ordination, he has master s degrees in social work and Jewish philosophy from Yeshiva University and holds a certificate in advanced psychodynamic psychotherapy from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. Rabbi Shafner is the author of The Everything Jewish Wedding Book (2008), a founding writer of the website Morethodoxy, and a periodic contributor to The Journal of Jewish Ideas and Ideals.

4 B) ANSWERING TO A HIGHER POWER: WORKING WITH ORTHODOX JEWISH POPULATIONS When working with orthodox clients, the clinician can assume that G-d is always present in the consulting room. A basic understanding and acceptance of the client s belief system and practices allows for culturally and religiously contextualized treatment. This workshop will focus on understanding how Orthodox Judaism interfaces with the practice of psychotherapy and on effective interventions, including the use of metaphor and humor. 1. List Jewish laws and lifestyle differences that can inform culturally sensitive practice 2. Describe the role of the rabbi as intermediary and adjudicator in psychotherapy 3. Understand mental health trends unique to this population 4. Describe the role of humor in Jewish life, and its applicability to psychotherapy 5. Describe the role of metaphor in Jewish religious commentary and literature, and its applicability to enhancing psychological interventions Presenter: Esther Finglass, PhD, is a licensed psychologist currently dividing her time between private practice in Baltimore County and the counseling center at Loyola University of Maryland, where she is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychology. She works extensively with the Orthodox Jewish population and specializes in psychotherapy and psycho-educational testing with children, adolescents, and adults with emotional, attention, and learning disorders as well as post-divorce parent coordination. C) WHAT JUDAISM HAS TO TEACH US ABOUT BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS IN FAMILIES Many individuals seek out psychotherapy when they are experiencing challenges in their relationships, whether between a parent and a child, siblings, or intimate partners. Judaism can offer insight and perspective on managing complex relationships and supporting these relationships through the various phases and stages of life. This workshop will explore how Jewish traditions and wisdom, in conjunction with therapy, can be a powerful source of guidance and inspiration to promote healthy, strong, and lasting relationships. 1. Identify ways in which Judaism can be a resource for managing challenging relationships 2. Utilize Jewish concepts to become more present and compassionate with self and family members 3. Understand how Jewish life cycle rituals are deeply psychological 4. Practice using tools such as prayer to be less reactive and more intentional in relationships 5. Discuss the power and importance of the stories we tell (an ancient Jewish practice) and how we get stuck 6. Explore the importance of spirituality in building a strong sense of self, which is necessary for building healthy relationships Presenter: Mickie Simon, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with women and girls for over 20 years in private practice and community mental health centers. She has been actively involved in the community with Tikkun Olam Women s Foundation and the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Washington.

5 3:00 4:30 PM: WORKSHOP SESSION 2 A) USING YOGA & JEWISH WISDOM TO BRING THE BODY INTO PSYCHOTHERAPY Psychotherapy often focuses on the cognitive realm, ignoring the wealth of wisdom our bodies hold. Yogic techniques can help bring our clients Shalom Bayit peace of mind, body and spirit. This experiential workshop will explore how yoga can help patients skillfully increase mindfulness and emotional regulation. It will also discuss how mental health practitioners can benefit from yoga, and why patients have reported greater overall satisfaction with therapy when clinicians themselves practice mind-body techniques. 1. Discuss the value of bringing mind-body practices into psychotherapy and ways to introduce them into therapeutic work 2. Practice and explore several mind-body skills through experiential practices, discussion, and didactic learning 3. Understand ethical considerations for integration of mind-body skills into psychotherapy and contraindications for using mind-body skills in some clinical populations 4. Explore personal patterns, fears, or concerns that might inhibit the sharing of yoga and meditation with clients Presenter: Lauren Rubenstein, JD, PsyD, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Bethesda and the author of Visiting Feelings, a mindfulness book for children. With extensive trainings in teaching yoga and mindfulness to children and adults, Dr. Rubenstein integrates mind-body practices into psychotherapy. She developed the yoga program for the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Washington at Adas Israel. B) A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE ON FORGIVENESS AND THE UNFORGIVABLE The liturgy and theology of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur creates a framework for grappling with transgressions and unforgivable acts. Some harm cannot be fixed, but repentance and spiritual growth are always possible. This workshop will explore how both victims and perpetrators of unforgivable acts have a way forward. 1. Describe ways to help clients determine if forgiveness is the appropriate therapeutic goal 2. Understand reasons that forgiveness-oriented approaches may be culturally inappropriate for Jewish clients 3. Explore concepts of atonement, forgiveness, and absolution 4. Discuss the use of prayer for processing transgression 5. Discuss the ways to support healing from unforgivable acts Presenter: Rabbi Ruti Regan is a disabled rabbi serving the Jewish disability organizations: Matan and Anachnu. Her research focuses on disability-informed spiritual leadership and including disabled perspectives in Torah study. Rabbi Regan was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2017 with master s in liturgy and ritual arts. Prior to rabbinical school, she studied at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Studies, the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and Washington University in St Louis.

6 C) JEWISH TEACHINGS AND THE CONFLUENCE OF AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH Judaic literature is replete with examples to suggest that the more a person s life is infused with meaning and purposeful activity the more it is likely to be enriched. There is no age limit for this process of enrichment. This workshop will explore Zaken (the elderly population) and discuss how mental and physical health can be addressed effectively utilizing Jewish wisdom and teachings. 1. Describe how Jewish teachings inform the aging process 2. Explore mental health diagnoses and strategies specific to the aging population 3. Discuss ways in which clinicians can combine strategies with Jewish wisdom to successfully address aging and end of life issues Presenters: Lori Kolle, LCSW-C, received her bachelor s degree in social work from McGill University in Montreal and her master s degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She has been in practice since 1986 in both inpatient and private practice settings and has been a clinical director of child and family services at JSSA for 25 years. Currently, she is JSSA s director of Outpatient Mental Health Services. Rene Laj, PhD, has a doctorate in social work from Fordham University and is a licensed social worker in Maryland and Washington, DC. She is currently working as a program coordinator in Outpatient Mental Health at JSSA. Previously, Dr. Laje worked as both the Director of Social Work and as a research associate at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington (Charles E. Smith Life Communities) with a focus on older adults and their caregivers. She has written and co-authored several presentations and articles on the mental health needs of seniors and their caregivers.