Mental Health Shabbat Resource Guide

The links below provide prayers, information and resources to increase awareness and expand understanding of mental health in the Jewish community, and to offer support for those struggling with mental health challenges and their loved ones.  These resources can be used by clergy and staff to customize Mental Health Shabbat and to share with congregants both before and afterwards.

For assistance in planning Mental Health Shabbat, including finding a speaker for your congregation, please contact Bracha Jakofsky, Mental Health Educator. 

Mental Health Information and Resources

Wellness Resources for the Situation in Israel - The Blue Dove Foundation

Antisemitism's Impact on Mental Health - The Blue Dove Foundation

Local Mental Health Resources

Common Mental Health Conditions Handbook, No Shame on U

Mental Health in a Jewish Context and How Congregations Can Support Families Struggling with Mental Health, JCFS Chicago

Jewish Mental Health Values, The Blue Dove Foundation

How to talk to a Friend Going Through a Mental Health Crisis by Nina Henry, JCFS Chicago

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - by Ann Luban, JCFS Chicago. (Includes Year-Round Coping Strategies)

When Your Child is Going Through A Mental Health Crisis:  A Guide for Parents and Caregivers - A resource available on NoShameOnU.Org

Mental Health Matters for Aging Adults

Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health

Men and Mental Health

Women and Mental Health

When Addiction and Mental Illness Co-Occur

In the Synagogue

Parshat Bo D'var Torah Suggestions

Parshat Vaera D'var Torah Suggestions

Parashat Yitro Self-Care D’var Torah Suggestions

Mental Health Mi Sheberach Prayers, The Blue Dove Foundation

Give Me Your Hand Responsive Reading by Rabbi Eric Weiss

Music: A Healing Tool by The Blue Dove Foundation (Includes 39 Songs for Jewish Healing, Peace, Joy and Comfort)

A Prayer for Healing for Mental Illness

A Prayer to be Recited by the Family Member of One Struggling with Mental Illness

Shabbat at Home

Conversation Starters

Make Mental Health the Center of Your Shabbat Dinner Conversation, The Blue Dove Foundation

Alternative Shabbat Ritual, The Blue Dove Foundation and One Table

Suicide Prevention and Support

Suicide Prevention and Support in the Jewish Community Including a booklet for families grieving the death of a loved one to suicide

MISSD Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin

Opening Up About Suicide, Jewish groups start addressing mental wellness—for those who are suffering, and the people who love them, by Paula Jacobs, Tablet Magazine, Feb 1, 2021.