Close to 20 years ago, Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar and I developed Project Chai as way to broaden the services of Chai Lifeline to the greater community by providing intervention for crisis and trauma, which went beyond medical conditions. We aimed to provide formal training in the community for committed individuals to serve as first responders in a range of emergency circumstances. Nearly eight years ago, Rabbi Scholar asked me to serve as director of Project Chai.
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Grandchildren in Crisis
Chai Lifeline presents “Grandchildren in Crisis,” a discussion with Rabbi Lipa Geldwerth, Rov of Khal Kol Torah in Brooklyn, and renowned psychologist Dr. David Pelcovitz. The wide-ranging talk will examine the role of grandparents with grandchildren undergoing traumatic experiences—such as addiction, serious illness, bereavement or their parents’ divorce—through a hashkafic, halachic and psychological lens. read full story
In The Immediate Aftermath of the Poway Chabad Synagogue Attack
Addressing the Horror and Tragedy of the San Diego Synagogue Shooting with Students, Children, and Among Ourselves
Guidelines from Project Chai, the crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement department of Chai Lifeline
Death, under any circumstance, is a painful and troubling event to face. Willful, hate-filled terrorism, in our cities, in our sacred places which are dedicated to worship and outreach, is beyond horrifying. A gunman has opened fire, murdering and injuring innocent people, as the world looks on and as the Jewish world is frozen in shock and agony. read full story
CHAI LIFELINE’S PROJECT CHAI TRAINS TEAM LEADERS TO RESPOND IN TIMES OF CRISIS
Project Chai, the Crisis Intervention, Trauma, and Bereavement department of Chai Lifeline, hosted a leadership training seminar at Chai Lifeline’s Manhattan headquarters on October 31. The session offered guidance to select volunteers on leading their community’s Project Chai teams and is part of the rigorous, formal training program all volunteers must undergo for providing intervention following crises and traumatic events.
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox and Project Chai Team Leaders
When the Winds Howl and the Waters Rise: An Interventional Model in Facing Florence
A message from Project Chai, the crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement department of Chai Lifeline
Ominous reports of Hurricane Florence are creating fear, panic and worry for thousands of people in the path of this monster storm. For those far from that region, vivid memories of New York during Sandy, of Houston, of New Orleans and of other flood-battered communities can be equally dread-ridden and reminiscent of tragedy. For Jews in every part of the world, our concern and our readiness to show support and care for those who are huddling in anticipation of landfall, or who have already evacuated, leaving synagogues, schools and homes behind, is in the forefront of our minds. read full story
In Times of Crisis, Chai Lifeline’s Project CHAI Is Family
When tragedy strikes, we turn to family. But sometimes, our relatives are equally shaken and unequipped to cope with the emotional and functional upheaval that crisis wreaks in a family and community. read full story
Coping with the Aftermath of Natural disasters: A Guide for Families
By Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Interventions and Community Education
Project CHAI
Any occurrence that constitutes a significant break in routine coupled with a potential threat to life and limb can evoke traumatic reactions. Many residents in our community have been exposed to such trauma during the recent hurricane and may be emotionally reeling from its impact.
The following suggestions for helping your children and family cope with the lingering impact and effects of this calamitous event may be helpful as the entire community comes to grips with the devastating storm. read full story
