I recently had the privilege of sharing a ride with Mrs. Zahava List, the founder and director of Chazkeinu. Started in Baltimore, Chazkeinu is a mental health peer support network for Jewish woman who are struggling with mental illness, including providing help for the female family members.
I knew a little
bit about Chazkeinu as I had attended an event during the winter and was
somewhat surprised to see the lightness of the evening and the fun involved!
Turning our impressions upside down on the stigma of mental health is one of
the missions of Chazkeinu. Its primary mission is to offer support and
encouragement and to provide the safe space that is so crucial when one is
dealing with mental illness. The group’s most recent initiative, Chill House,
is what piqued my curiosity about this far-reaching organization, and when
Zahava told me the list of services they provide, I was in awe.
What Chazkeinu Does
Twice a week,
there are phone support meetings, where either a professional speaks about a
particular topic or someone shares a personal story. Twice a week, they meet on
Zoom and engage in a fun activity, like dance or painting. Additionally, they
have a partner program, where Chazkeinu pairs up people who have similar
diagnoses or are the same age; they then connect one-on-one for peer support. The
Empowered hotline, which is open to the community, offers the opportunity to
speak to a licensed therapist for questions regarding a non-emergency mental
health issue. Call 1-888-958-0708.
A davening group
exists, where people send in names and daven for each other. There is an online
forum, in which topics are discussed, thereby connecting people from all around
the world! A publication is also available once a year with a plethora of
topics related to mental health and self-care written by professionals in the
field and members of Chazkeinu. Care packages are given upon discharge from a
hospital, or even just for some extra TLC at home. Hospital visits are provided if the hospital
allows. Connection is maintained by a WhatsApp chat called “Give and Get Chizuk”, along with a texting group that
allows for uplifting messages to those in need.
Live events occur
in major communities, such as Baltimore, Brooklyn, Cleveland, Lakewood, Monroe,
Monsey, and Eretz Yisrael! These events are a nice night out with fun
activities. Most recently, they held a “graduation event,” where people
celebrated personal milestones and wore caps and gowns, along with a
commencement speech by Zahava! To top it all off, there is an annual Shabbaton,
a mid-week retreat, and an annual banquet.
Whom Does Chazkeinu Help?
Now that we know
how Chazkeinu helps, who are the recipients of their services? According to
Zahava, there are at least 1,500 members from around the world. Branches exist
in Eretz Yisrael, Australia, Mexico, Switzerland, the US, and the UK!
Chazkeinu was started
by Zahava List. Traveling with her for 11 hours, I discovered a wonderful,
soft-spoken person who teaches in Bnos. Her passion is Chazkeinu and helping
others. She is quite open about her story of dealing with bipolar disorder and
psychosis, which can be heard on the Chazak hotline, 718-258-2008, #210. Her
goal is to change the way we view mental illness and emotional health and to
remove the stigma – not just from others but, more importantly, from ourselves,
so that we can get or give the help that is needed. Zahava feels that if people
would only know how many others have the challenge of mental illness, they
would see that it’s okay. Education is key, and acceptance is what helps open
the door to healing and recovery.
Chazkeinu receives
rabbinical support from Rav Elya Brudny, Rav Ron Yitzchok Eisenmann, and Rabbi
Yisroel Grossberg, and here in Baltimore, from Rabbi Heber. Dr. Pelcovitz is
involved as well.
Now for the Chill House
It’s summer, and people
have plans for vacation and trips. Imagine being able to take a mini-vacation
every week! For someone struggling with mental illness, the Chill House
provides this much needed getaway. Available once a week, in a private home, Chill
House is a center for leisure and craft activities, like knitting, writing
workshops, entertainment, and book club. Or, it provides a place to just “be
and breathe.”
To conclude,
Chazkeinu’s davening group recites kapitel
23 of Tehillim, in which Dovid HaMelech writes “Shivtecha u’mishantecha heima yenachamuni.” Chazkeinu believes that
the struggle is hard, but it can also be the greatest comfort. Please be a part
of that comfort and support this awesome organization.
If you are having a hard time and need help or know
someone who is faced with a mental illness, there is help available! Chazkeinu!
Please call Zahava at 314-346-7414 or check out the website chazkeinu.org.
Chazkeinu cannot continue to do its important and holy
work without the help of sponsorships. The organization welcomes donations of
money or time. It also welcomes any specific talent you can share with others
at a live event, the retreat, or at their new Chill House! They are currently
having a raffle for seven tickets to Eretz Yisrael, which will conclude July 7.
