Mental Health Shabbat Resource Guide

These resources can be used by individuals, families, and synagogues to customize your Mental Health Shabbat observances. JCFS Chicago is here to support you-- please let us know how we can help you create a personalized and meaningful Mental Health Shabbat experience.

Ways to Celebrate Mental Health Shabbat

Get Started

• Conversation Starters
• Make Mental Health the Center of Your Shabbat Dinner Conversation

D’var Torah Suggestions 

• Parshat Shemot
• Parshat Bo
• Parshat Vaera
• Parashat Yitro

Prayers and Rituals

• Mental Health Mi Sheberach Prayers
• Give Me Your Hand Responsive Reading 
• Music: A Healing Tool 
• A Prayer for Healing for Mental Illness
• A Prayer to be Recited by the Family Member of One Struggling with Mental Illness
• Alternative Shabbat Ritual

Mental Health Information and Resources

• Antisemitism's Impact on Mental Health 
• Chicago Area Mental Health Resources 
• Common Mental Health Conditions Handbook
• When Your Child is Going Through A Mental Health Crisis: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
• Mental Health in a Jewish Context and How Congregations Can Support Families Struggling with Mental Health
• Jewish Mental Health Values
• How to talk to a Friend Going Through a Mental Health Crisis 
•  Mental Health Awareness Month 

Suicide Prevention and Support

• Suicide Prevention and Support in the Jewish Community 
• Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin (MISSD) 
• Opening Up About Suicide