JCFS Chicago expanded its unique Synagogue Community Partnership (SCP) to include 13 synagogues when it recently added two northwest suburban congregations (with one more in the works). Grant funding helps to underwrite a liaison from JCFS’ Jewish Community Services to work with the synagogues’ clergy, staff and congregants, as well help with programming.

“When a congregant reaches out with complex needs, rabbis and staff have a trusted professional to turn to that really knows their community,” said Director of Jewish Community Engagement Elizabeth Ury. “The liaison can meet directly with the individual, assess their situation, connect them to resources, and help prioritize next steps.”

Examples of issues the liaison can assist with include addiction and recovery, mental health challenges and grief support.

“The liaison spends time with the congregant, talking about what their needs might be,” Elizabeth said, adding that each situation usually involves more than one need.  

For example, someone who requests counseling for support during stressful times may also benefit from a referral to our career and employment services to help address unemployment or underemployment and/or a referral to our Integrated Pediatric Therapies for a child struggling with developmental tasks.

“The liaison also supports training for rabbis and staff to better serve the congregation,” Elizabeth said. “Workshops like Recognizing and Responding to Signs & Symptoms of Abuse throughout the Lifespan promote compassionate communication and care. Coaching on setting and maintaining healthy boundaries helps prevent burnout and ensures congregants receive consistent support. Together, these trainings foster a more thoughtful and resilient community.”

By engaging regularly with synagogue staff, the liaison learns what programming and support groups can benefit the congregants. Elizabeth said she recently presented a program that helped provide adult children with resources to assist their aging parents.

“It’s really a wonderful partnership,” Elizabeth said. “There are a lot of different angles, and the synagogue can use the programs and services they need.”

*The accompanying photo above is of Rabbi D’ror Chankin-Gould of Anshe Emet, a Chicago synagogue that participates in the partnership.