Something good is coming out of our community’s collective concern over molestation.
In a Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation conference room, Rabbi Elan Adler, Elaine Whitman of the Shofar Coalition and a respected group of rabbis, clinicians and molestation survivors worked together to begin planning a community gathering with its focus: healing from trauma.
The co-sponsors are Shofar Coalition, CHANA and the Board of Rabbis.
Although the irony wasn’t lost on us that we were planning this in the same shul which had to go through the grueling process of suspending its association with Rabbi Jacob Max, its founding rabbi and rabbi emeritus, it should be made clear that this gathering is for all survivors of trauma and abuse not only for those with allegations against Rabbi Max.
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m., Sunday, September 13, at the Park Heights JCC.
The event’s timing prior to Rosh Hashanah, a time when we are asking for forgiveness from HaShem and from each other couldn’t be more perfect. Perhaps asking for forgiveness is a step that perpetrators of sexual molestation, including convicted ones, should try.
Often times I think a community can show its merit by leaders who aren’t afraid to step forward, face difficult issues, and help their community move forward.
Rabbi Adler, members of the Board of Rabbis, the survivors and clinicians at this meeting, were all showing that leadership. That Rabbi Adler offered his synagogue for this meeting was a strong statement that he and his shul are serious about an active, decisive role in helping those impacted by any sort of abuse anywhere in this community.
These actions alone in planning this gathering are already moving us forward towards a level of healing.
It feels so much better to be heading in this direction.