Let Us Wake Up to the World Around Us

The Earth we live in, the land we walk on and the plants and vegetation we grow – our lives and how we live. Our ENVIRONMENT. The air we breathe, the grounds and plants surrounding us, the food we prepare and eat. Pollution and its health issues, forestry and gardens, better and healthier nutrition – all are becoming a more common trend in our AWARENESS to all of these things that has been awakened – even and finally in Tzfat.
       The Center for Healthy Living in Tzfat המרכז לחיים בריאים בצפת-מרכז ל.ב.ב.   is a non-profit organization (amuta-עמותה) that was founded in 2005 with the philanthropic aid and vision of Moshe Tov Kreps.   

It all began when Moshe Tov noticed a few people around town involved in ways to better the over-all atmosphere of living in Tzfat through the education and awareness on ecology. In the early days, everything connected with The Center was in Moshe Tov’s home.  It is only recently that a place was bought in the Artist Quarter that would serve for its many functions (as well as future projects) enabling all people who are interested to meet – to do so in one place and under one roof.        The people involved and those who participate are mostly English-speakers however some Israelis and other diverse people are becoming more aware and joining. The wish is for any and all who want; to be able to join/participate can do so.     
 Two of the people who first initiated this concept were Shmuel and Allison Ofanansky. The Ofanansky couple, after making Aliya to Tzfat, was very active in the planting of Steve’s Garden (in memory of Steven Levine) in the Old City of Tzfat that was planted in 1996. Years ago when compost and recycling were considered a thing only Americans in America did (I’m an American, so I can only write about what little I know); Shmuel and Allison were enlightening the people of Tzfat to a better and healthier reality.   
   Some in the community were “struggling” financially in their professions of alternative health due to rental fees for their offices outside their homes. Moshe Tov, being the quiet philanthropist, aided with financial expertise and “seed money” at his fingertips, but even more so with the greater need for a central place for people to” meet and treat” whether it be ecology, environment, or health; classes or workshops. He was and is the catalyst behind The Center that organizes everyone.      The purposes of The Center are to improve the quality of life within the economy and the environment. To add a social dimension and sustainability that connects “the person to family and community” within a complimentary and healthy system.   
   Some activities at The Center are classes in yoga by Miriam Friedman; and Chi Gung (and martial arts activities for children) by NatanYa Gress-Levy. So far there have been workshops on building solar ovens; and the uses of native local plants for medicine, health and nutritious food.
      A lot of effort and emotional energies have been put out and into developing community service projects. One such project is environmental awareness of recycling bottles – a rather new concept for Tzfat as I personally can recall that years ago Y’lem already had special separate dumpsters for bottles and newspapers in many neighborhoods, and Tzfat had nothing until 2006.      
   One member who participates in activities at The Center is Adina Rosen, a Breslover. She was contacted by Nachal Novea Tzfat Fund about a grant given to create an environment program within the Breslov Community of Tzfat to improve and beautify the city. NNTF is a Breslov organization established to help in the restoration and beautification of the Holy city of Tzfat.  
    One of its first projects was in recycling bottles. The Center works together on the recycling project run by the environmental program of Nachal Novea Tzfat Fund. In the beginning the bottles were collected by The Center and brought down to Rosh Pina. The first recycling dumpster was not far from Moshe Tov’s home. The Center provides dumpsters in the Artist Quarter neighborhood for the recycling. The Center together with Nachal Novea now provides dumpsters in 20 locations around the city of Tzfat. It is hoped that this program will eventually be picked up by the municipality itself and expanded to cover the entire city. 
      One program of the NNTF is “To Everything There is a Process” ((לכל דבר יש תהליך. Shmuel Ofanansky was also hired by NNTF towards this purpose. The Center works together with the Breslov community as they organize activities with the Breslov Cheder that focus on the environment as well as outings.  The Center exposes people – including the children – to an environmental education of what is around us and how we benefit from it, and what can be done to improve and preserve what there is.
      This past year shortly before Chanuka, Shmuel came to the Cheder with a slide-show showing the process of the “masik”-the olive harvest from the picking to maintaining and pruning the trees, sorting and cleaning the olives and taking them to the olive-press. He explained the ecology of olives and the process of olives in a tree through to making olive oil. The Center and the Cheder had an outing during the “olive harvest”. The boys were able to see with their own eyes the abundance of Hashem as it “rained olives on their heads”- while experiencing up close and first-hand and picking the olives.
       Last year’s War made many people realize how important community really is. Eliyahu Alpern, another member of The Center and a renowned photographer (specializing of panoramic views) was phenomenal in brain-storming in fund-raising and procuring monies for several people devastated by the destruction of the War in their own homes. As a result of certain members’ connections with people in the States, funds came in and youth groups came and visited and volunteered.
      An ongoing project at the moment is the restoring of Gan Ziffer – a park in the Artist’s Quarter not far from the Rimonim Hotel. Moshe Ziffer was a sculptor who lived and worked in Tzfat from the 50’s during the heyday of the original Artists’ Quarter until his death in 1989. He bequeathed his home, studio and sculpture garden to the city municipality. His sculptures were designed to create a view of balance and harmony.  Plans include maintaining and restoring the beauty and tranquility of the garden using ecological and permaculture principles such as water cachement and composting, add plantings suited to the environment while at the same time restore and preserve the outdoor sculptures.  Plant life would include the Seven Species of the Land of Israel. The hope is that Gan Ziffer can be a haven –a  place of solace and relief.– a therapeutic park dedicated to solace and relief  from the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) of this past year’s trauma to so many and ultimately  a resource center for creative arts therapy for the children of the region. 

One Woman’s Chessed Multiplied for Many Women

       “Behind every great man is a woman” is a well-known phrase that rings true for many events and projects in Tzfat. This woman (who chooses to remain anonymous),besides being a supportive wife, is the person behind the scenes even on what she herself organizes.        As a woman who lives in Tzfat, I have seen up close the results of this woman’s endeavors. One being the organized get-togethers for women for/on Rosh Chodesh .Women have a special relationship to Rosh Chodesh. On Rosh Chodesh, we say “Hallel” and “Yaaleh VeYavo” in our davening. And in many places around the world, there are organized get-togethers for women for/on Rosh Chodesh. So, too, are there in Tzfat.       Another project she undertook was the Orthodox Women’s Phone Service which gave information about lectures, classes, public sales and a short Dvar Torah. It ran for many years and only recently ceased to function due to lack of funding.       Although this woman is very busy (besides being a wife and mother) as a teacher in different places and teaching several few topics, she also runs an educational “business” from her home.       In spite of all these activities, she took on yet another activity about five years ago – by chance. She organizes a Religious Women’s Retreat in Rosh Pina for English-Speakers.      It all began on a family outing to Rosh Pina – a walk in its Old City when someone needed to use the restrooms. They were walking along a street with many B&B (bed and breakfast) and saw a woman in her front yard. Her name, as they soon learned is Tehilla. She offered them the use of the restrooms, as well as inviting them in for a short while. The woman in our story and her family were quite spellbound by the quaintness and coziness of this B&B in Rosh Pina –Villa Tehilla.

      Villa Tehilla: large expanse of land enclosed in an atmosphere of quaint, rustic, in the heart of Nature. Cobble-stone grounds, individual and different rooms, parakeets, a pool and separate Jacuzzi and a billiard table. Walk down more cobble stones and steps and one enters an enchanted and magical (almost mystical) garden area replete with several hammocks and cobalt metal blue chairs or picnic benches and wooden chaise swings. And a small petting zoo. Not to mention the view in all directions.     Upon this woman’s return to Tzfat, she talked with a few of her friends about possibly enjoying the Villa Tehilla at a future date. After many phone calls and notices put out, a plan was devised and about 20 women went on their first “sleepover” for one night only (the fee included only the beds they slept on) to Villa Tehilla. As the place does not have Mehadrin supervision it was suggested that each woman bring the food they enjoyed.       The second year, the retreat was lengthened to two nights and one cooked meal was provided in addition to the “sleepover”. The meal was cooked by this woman. The food was tasty. But after everyone returned home, she became debilitated physically and overwhelmed. She realized that even with all her efforts, she needed to delegate responsibility to others when possible. Sort of like Moshe Rabbeinu in the Midbar.       In subsequent Retreats, she has hired a caterer and young girl to help with setting up the food. The food is “specialized” in that after each Retreat she asks how to improve on the menu offered. The palates of the English-speaking clientele seek out recipes with minimal oil and fresh flavorful salads –a menu of natural tasting food, which is what offered.

      What this woman has come to realizes about the retreats and why the need for one specifically for English-speakers is that a sense of relaxation occurs when the “hustle and bustle” of the every day are put on hold for the woman to replenish herself in a care-free environment, to do with herself as she pleases. Meals are like an “open bar”. The lectures are available for one to enter, sit, listen and enjoy. The pool, Jacuzzi and the gardens are all accessible to whoever whenever. Nothing is a “have to” but a “can, want, do”. Some women come to meet others and some come for solitude. All should be respected in what they choose.       At times, this woman has considered it necessary to “distance” herself in order to protect herself. She cannot handle any complaints or negativity – especially not during the retreat itself. All her energies are expended in preparation of when to put out notices advertising the retreat, the ensuing phone calls to accommodate individual needs as roommates, food allergies–if any, and payment instructions – all of these aspects require emotional distance to survive the responsibility as someone in charge.  Her family is very supportive during the two months duration – of the before, during and after. Her husband takes on certain family responsibilities that are not his usual.  
      
 Consequently, given all these factors, she decided to charge a higher price for the retreat. But it is still quite reasonable. For three women in a room and six meals altogether – two nights and three days –the fee was 620 SH a woman.       I know as this past summer, 2007, I participated in my first retreat. Aside from all the “attractions” I mentioned above, there were also lectures: one on Shalom Bayit; another to do with shidduchim by an experienced shadchanit; one older woman spoke about her experiences during the Holocaust and being in hiding-she only made Aliya two years ago to be near her daughter; and one woman spoke about the “lost” Jews of Portugal (the anussim). I found the lectures mesmerizing as did many others. We sat at the edges of our chairs begging for more. I did!        All photos courtesy of Rochel Black.  To order copies of these or other photos, via photomax.com, contact atrblack@hotmail.com.       For more information on the Religious Women’s Retreat for English-Speakers in Rosh Pina, please call 04-692-5251. 

The Family That Always Looks Up

       In Tzfat there is family that “embraces” children experiencing Down’s syndrome. When I look at them with their children I see a family always looking UP – a positive outlook but when things get tough, they look up – to Hashem.
        There are families that after the initial “shock” of having a child with Down’s gear up to the task at hand – raising a child with developmental delays and possible health problems of the heart, lungs, intestines and teeth.  Parents get proactive. They research the early intervention treatments available and diligently attend sessions for the benefit and over-all health of their child. They find the joy there is in having a child with Down’s along with its difficulties and stresses.

       Having a child with Down’s syndrome can be emotionally difficult for anyone but for many families there are still those who feel it is a stigma and are embarrassed by their child. This need not be the case, but unfortunately it all too often is.
       Regretfully, there are families that although they realize their limitations in raising a child with Down’s – not necessarily because of the stigma it might cause – but because they have several children and they don’t think they can devote the time needed towards their child. Others just abandon their baby at the onset in the hospital shortly after the birth.

       Much has been written on the Down’s infant and early intervention programs, what to expect health-wise, as well as how cheerful and loving they are growing up. Reality mirrors the books along with the day to day struggles.       The Ben-Baruchs, Chaya and Yisroel, made Aliya from Alaska over ten years ago as a family of six. What is so remarkable about them is that although one child was born to them with Down’s, they later chose to adopt a child specifically with Down’s so that their son would not grow up alone. Now their family has expanded – not by birth – but rather by other Down’s children abandoned at the hospital or by word of mouth to step in and talk/counsel new families to the joys (and tribulations) of living with Down’s on a day to day basis.
     The Ben-Baruchs did not from the start of their marriage choose to be parents to children who experience Down’s. It happened by Divine Providence. The first two children were born without too much difficulty and all went pretty much as planned. There were a couple of miscarriages thrown in to challenge them. At the fifth pregnancy a fervent prayer went out from Chaya’s mouth – “Please let this child live!” And live he did, and does. In the beginning, some of his features of Down’s were not as noticeable. Chaya asked the midwife if he was Down’s. The midwife was not sure and said “Just take him home and love him.” A week later his heart problem, typical in babies who have Down’s, was detected.  By the age of three months he had heart surgery.

     As part of the Ben-Baruchs diligence and involvement to caring for their newborn Down’s son, they attended a conference for families and professionals of Special Needs kids. They were very impressed with what one woman said about her twins who died at age eighteen of a congenital disease. She spoke of how happy she was that the twins had each other growing up. After hearing this story the Ben-Baruchs decided to pursue adopting a child with Down’s. This second child with Down’s brought the family up to four kids at the time of Aliya.
       The idea of having a child born with Down’s for some might be a tragedy, but the Ben-Baruchs, after having one born to them, see it as a “mission” to help others realize the joy that can be found and not as a tragedy. The Ben-Baruchs advocate for the care and love needed for these children. Having a child with Down’s is not a misfortune as some may think – it is work – but well worth the rewards. Anyone can give birth to a Down’s baby – it is not genetic or hereditary -and rare for it to happen more than once in an extended family.

        She and her husband, Yisrael, have also become foster parents. Shortly after they were living in Tzfat, it was brought to their attention about a one month old baby in the hospital – abandoned. It took a month of dealing with bureaucracy before she joined the family as a foster child on a permanent basis. They are not allowed to adopt this child, now nine and a half years old, as the Revacha (social services) have not given permission. The Revacha does not allow one to adopt more than two children with Down syndrome.
       After taking home this baby, the Ben-Baruchs began receiving phone calls from time to time asking if they could speak to families that had just given birth to a Down’s baby. They do so and much more. They listen and talk and listen some more. They advise and guide families in a calm and serene manner.

      About two years ago, the Ben-Baruchs were contacted numerous times about a baby abandoned at the hospital with the most complex of medical problems of all the Down’s children they have cared for to date. Some time after meeting this little fellow when he was just less than two months old, they jumped in as his foster parents. But there is still a kesher (contact) with his birth mother from time to time. He was released from the hospital when he was six months old.
      Nonetheless the phone calls keep coming. And unfortunately, although the Ben-Baruchs are on call and meet with families, babies are still rejected just because they were born with the extra chromosome that makes them Down’s. And when needed the Ben-Baruchs are the foster family until a family gets a handle on what it is to be a parent to their own child so the baby need not suffer alone in the hospital..

      Government stipends are not the reason the Ben-Baruchs do what they do. The minimal money allotted is but a drop in the bucket for caring for a “normal” child let alone one with special needs. The Ben-Baruchs are people who are caring, devoted loving parents in every sense of what a parent should be.

      They are involved with Birkat Haderech, a place for explaining and saving children with special needs from abandonment by their birth parents; to offer these families knowledge and emotional support to care for the child, or to help find appropriate homes for long-term foster care when needed. They have a therapeutic staff (doctors and social workers), and respite care when families need a break. They are always looking for more families who are willing to take an abandoned special needs child.
    As an advocate for Down’s, Chaya is a public speaker and lectures for and about Down’s and Special Needs children in high schools and other various groups.    They can be contacted through chaya2426@013.net.               

Even If or When You Don’t Have Money

In my building is a family by the name of Nemeroff, that although they live off their government Bituach Leumi (Israel “Social Security) stipend, they are always involved with chessed. The husband has continuously been on the Vaad Bayit (building and landlord committee) that is a huge time-consuming and emotional responsibility.     But that is only one of several chessed occupations he has taken on. Although he and his family do not have much in the means of money, he is the unofficial “checking account” for many who do not or cannot use checks. He uses his checks for others and they “pay” him before his check is deducted from his account. This is a risk that he has chosen as he feels it is important to help others if he can-and so he does.        Often he “disappears” for hours at a time after the Maariv services as he goes out collecting and “fund-raising” for others who have less money than him so as to provide something for them. This, too, is very time-consuming, but he feels it necessary.       I personally experienced the Nemeroff’s kindnesses as an almost daily occurrence. When I returned home shortly after Chanuka (after last summer’s War) and my Ankle Fusion surgery and convalescence, I was not very mobile and was in need of assistance for many trivial things that we take for granted as simple day-to-day errands. I live alone on the top floor of a hi-rise building (with three entrances) and the elevator was not always in working order.       They did and still do collect my mail from town, provide me with milk; and during the winter months frequented the Beit HaTavshil (soup kitchen) in order to supply me with nutritional-quality food.        If the husband was too exhausted at the end of his day to stop over at my home, his wife or sometimes even the two older daughters, nine and fourteen, would come in their stead. Once in my home, the fourteen year old frequently helped me hang out laundry, take out my trash, or organize last-minute things before Shabbat.       The wife would visit me in my times of loneliness and boredom.  It was an ordeal for me to go out on my own 9to my many medical appointments) with a wheelchair and then into a taxi, so she often assisted me. This was often at the expense of her own home obligations.      I have much gratitude and hakarat hatov for all they have done for me and immense respect for all they do for others. Just because one is not “well-to-do’ does not mean one cannot be involved with chessed!

Torah Right to Your Hand – and a Shul for the Heart

Living up in the Northern part of Israel, I always wondered how the Torah Tidbits made their way into town. It’s not like paper walks. And they were in almost every shul and several shops that an English-speaker might enter.  

   Until one day I found out who was and is responsible for the Torah Tidbits to arrive on a weekly basis. It is only recently that I realized that Torah Tidbits is also on-line. And as not everyone has a computer, the actual delivered Torah Tidbits are even more appreciated – and not a problem in reading on Shabbat!    

Torah Tidbits first appeared on the scenery of Tzfat about nine years ago and when the woman responsible for its arrangement left town, Shmuel Polsky decided to take over. This necessitates communication with Phil/Toni Chernofsy of the Israel Center in Y’lem to organize pick-up and delivery and timing and is important for the smooth running of all aspects of this project.     In my talking with him, I found him to be a man of modesty about what he does. But upon “questioning” I understood how committed his and his family’s involvement is in the community. And he doesn’t think that what he does is at all a “big deal”. But I do. Because of his efforts, many people in Tzfat (more than he realizes) have the opportunity to read “easy-to-understand” Dvrei- Torah on Shabbat.      His dedication to the community is “mamesh gevaldig” in and as he is the gabbai (along with Meir Glaser) in the Beirav Shul. He has this position for the past nine years that it is like second nature to him. In his capacity as gabbai he is also the fundraiser for the shul and is in charge of programming. 

    The Beirav Shul (http://www.beirav.org/) is located in the Old city of Tzfat and is often known as the Carlebach Shul for its regular Shabbat davening popularity of singing with the melodies of Rav Shlomo Carlebach z”tl.      The shul follows the attitude “to appreciate each and every Jew for who they are – no judgments”. Jews of all types enter the shul to bursting on Friday night davening. Religious and non-religious people of all styles sing and dance together – each on their separate sides (as in religious places men and women do not usually dance together). The emphasis is one of אחדות, קירוב, ואהבת ישראל – Achdut, Kiruv, and Ahavat Yisrael. The shul is the work of Hashem; the people who run it are its shlichim (messengers).    

Shmuel also assists people in looking to experience Tzfat, find a place to stay for Shabbat or a Holiday. He is always happy to help a Jew experience the energy in the shul.     

But the chessed does not stop with Shmuel. It is a family endeavor to which each is involved in their own way. His wife Tzivia holds many positions within the shul – amongst them being secretary, treasurer and “administrator” on the ladies side (in the event of over-crowding) and to keep things under control. Their son, who served in their Israeli Army, and kept the Mitzvot, is well- liked and popular in his platoon. To this day he still keeps in contact with his fellow soldiers and from time to time organizes group outings for the “gang”. At one event – bowling and pizza – he gave a Dvar Torah that his fellow ex-soldiers were so impressed by that to this day they are all still in touch with one another.    

The attitudes and teachings that are the foundation of the shul are also the manner in which Shmuel and his family interact with all who come in contact with them. Chessed is the way of life.  

  The Beirav Shul is open to all. Please come and experience the Achdut and Ahavat Yisrael for yourself. Every Shabbat and Chag there are “gevaldig” davening – come one, come all – enjoy the experience. You won’t regret it.      Contact Shmuel Polsky to reserve a seat in the shul beiravcarlebach@bezeqint.net or by telephone 04-692-1849            

A Handout for a Step Up

Another baal chessed around Tzfat is Yossi Reis. A tour-guide by profession, he always has others on his mind. He nicknames himself the “coupon clerk”. Whatever monies he succeeds on acquiring gets used to buy food vouchers in Shefa Shuk of Tzfat. Whenever he sees someone on the street or in a shop, he constantly has a hand out with an envelope or bag. But what is exceptional about the way Yossi holds out his hand is that if someone is able to give something, he never knows how much as he turns his head away and closes his eyes so as not to discomfit the one giving.       
There is always the hope that another will be able to donate a few coins for his “cause”. The “cause” being anyone in need of assistance – from not enough money to pay for a gas balloon, or the electric bill, or food to put on the table to feed a family. All these situations and more fall on his shoulders. In the winter he helps with buying blankets and heaters. If he can, he will assist an individual in finding a job or dealing with bureaucratic offices. Time and again he is the one individual a person will go to for the day-to-day living expenses.     

Yossi has found that no matter how much money he collects, there is constantly a need for more. He is constantly on the lookout for a hand-out and more sources to obtain funds with which to give support to others.

      Anyone with any ideas on how to assist Yossi in his efforts should contact him at 04-6922-803 or his mobile 050-760-3606.

Triple Kiddush and More

Did you ever wonder about the guys who recite the Kiddush in a hospital or old-age home? I did. After all, who has time to go around to all the floors of a health institution to do it? Certainly not I. Nor would I serve its purpose-being as I am a woman.       One day I found out by chance who does recite the Kiddush at the Beit Avot (old-age home) in Tzfat. I was leaving a friend’s home when a woman stopped us to inform my friend that plastic cups were needed at the Beit Avot. I, of course, was curious.  Afterwards I asked my friend about the request and was told that this woman and her husband make Kiddush every Shabbat night in the Beit Avot. I thought to myself, “Here is a story!”      Chayim and Bracha Zaklad took on this special chessed about a year and a half ago after being guests by a family for the night of Shvi’i shel Pesach (the 7th night). The wife of the family was so impressed with Chayim’s melodious voice that she suggested he recite Kiddush at the Beit Avot. He listened to her suggestion and coordinated with her and the rabbi at the Beit Avot. Shortly thereafter Chayim and Bracha were traipsing up and down three floors of stairs every Friday night. Not always an easy task to do within the Halachic parameters in the summertime when meals in any health institute (hospital or old-age home) are served like clockwork – 8am , 12pm, and 6pm.      Bracha, even before marrying Chayim was a volunteer for many years in the English Library in Tzfat, as well as scrounging out thrown away bottles for recycling and bringing these bottles to the proper recycling dumpster.       Hmmm!  Kiddush commitment “tripled”, book-duty, and caretaker of our Land. What well-rounded acts of chessed!  

Chessed Begins at Home and in the Home

      Chessed is about giving of oneself and thinking of someone else. To think outside of your own Self. It is life at the crux of living. Chessed – acts of kindness. Be kind to yourself as well as to those around you. Be polite and greet each person with a smile.  “Hello” and “Goodbye”; “please” and “thank you” and “you’re welcome”; “excuse me” and “I’m sorry” – all are expressions that go a long way in daily interactions with people in the home , work , and the people you might meet on the street.     But chessed begins at home and in the home. It is part of our early childhood lessons. We learned from the way our parents related to each other. And we integrated these lessons to who we have become. If a parent showed gratitude to the other we learned to appreciate what our parents provided for us. And we also learned to recognize Hashem’s involvement in creating the world we live in. Hashem provides for us and our parents do too. And the cycle continues as we provide for others. We provide more than the physical if we remember that it is important in the how we do it – attitude.      However chessed must begin with one’s own family first. Spouse and children and animals take first priority over anything outside the home. Although it is very admirable to do chessed outside the home (and get a break from the children), if one does is away from home doing chessed too much, others in the family may resent it and the thought of anything chessed. Family comes first in chessed. First,-chessed to and within the family; and then one can branch out to and for the neighbors and community.     With all this said, there is the flip-side to the equation of chessed. And I base my theories and outlook on articles I read many years ago in the English Modia and English Yeted Neeman newspapers –just because a person can help (owns a car) does not mean they have the time to drop everything they are doing to accommodate your immediate needs. There are always other factors to the equation to consider. Timing – when you ask and what is going on in the life of the other person, as well as to “judge favorably” for we do not know all the story if/when someone says no to our request of what we decide should be their chessed to/for us.       Chessed, as with volunteerism, can give one a feeling of satisfaction and altruism and even a sense of belonging. Research has proven that people who give of their time are less likely to become depressed and lived longer than their contemporaries. I guess kit is a CHESSED to one’s self to be involved with chessed. 

“Bikur Cholim” For All, Especially the Mentally Ill

        An American woman, Moreen Greenberg, has been living in Tzfat, for well over 25 years. She is sometimes occupied with the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) in some form or another. Married, but with no children, she has “more” time than some other people to devote to her work, and chessed.  One of her passions is her love and respect for art and painting; and she is an artist. She has painted murals at the hospital and near the Mercaz Klita (absorption center) for Ethiopians in Tzfat. She teaches art individually and in small groups.      Many years ago she was informed about a position as an assistant to the art therapist at the Mental Health Hospital in Tzfat. She worked there for 10 months assisting the therapist as a ‘translator” for staff meetings and in group therapy. At the end of the 10 months, Moreen was left with a dilemma- to study to become an art therapist or to devote her time to painting. She chose to remain “just” an artist and paint.      She did however become involve with the founding and establishment of a branch of Enosh in Tzfat. {Enosh is a moadon (club/meeting place) for people with mental health issues/disorders. In the beginning it was just a club- a place to hang out three times a week in the afternoon where one who is different can feel “normal” amongst friends of a similar background. A typical afternoon was spent schmoozing, enjoying hot or cold drinks, table-tennis, art, or sometimes a talk or lecture. Nowadays, Enosh provides so much more – including hostels and protective housing.}       Moreen is still an active volunteer at Enosh using her art as a tool to help others. As a volunteer; she has over the years become friendly with many of the “regulars” who frequent the moadon. As their friend, she has noticed what others are too afraid to realize on what they observe. Many of these ex-patients (most are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and are on medications) are being over-medicated on a regular basis and not receiving enough proper psychological counseling to supplement their over-all comprehensive care.       Moreen has become a spokeswoman for the “cause”- a patient advocate to the rights of the mentally-ill to receive the best possible care without being turned into a zombie! Time and again, and through friends of friends, people call on Moreen for aid in fighting the System against over-medication. On the rise recently, are families that their adolescent children are being hospitalized for outrageous behavior or conduct disorder. But, all too often teenagers are first “tranquillized” without receiving a complete and comprehensive diagnostic testing, such as the very important blood work up crucial to any diagnosis. Parents are too terrified to question the psychiatrists and are even “bullied” by some in the professional field. Patients have rights and so do teenagers.      The side effects (muscle spasms, slurred speech, weight loss or weight gain to mention but a few) of many psychiatric medications can be debilitating to the person taking them as well as puzzling (or even repelling at times) to the people around them – all the more so when dealing with the bodies and hormones of young adolescents. And sudden withdrawal from these powerful drugs without any supervision can be very dangerous. A complete medical and blood work must be done to ascertain that there are no underlying medical conditions manifesting to mental and psychiatric symptoms. Some underlying conditions are as “simple” as dehydration and thyroid conditions which can manifest as an emotional breakdown, depression or mental illness.      Even if a person is in genuine need of psychiatric medication it would be best that it be in conjunction with counseling. According to research, people in need of psychiatric medications do better while also receiving counseling or other supportive therapy and are more likely not to be re-hospitalized. Such is the hope for any individual under psychiatric care. And so too is the supportive structure for the “patient” and family.

CHESSED POEM

Chessed is very individual
      And Chessed is very personal: 
Chessed is so we can emulate
Hashem-at least to try in every way.
Every one of us has their style-
Some stay home and keep others up to date
Some go out-even to travel many a mile.
Each person does chessed every day
Doing chessed is our Destiny and our Fate.
      Chessed is more than any one thing-
      Hosting guests, visiting the sick-and so many more.
      Each one of us can find what to do.
      Some people work and sing.
      Some stay home and need to focus on family.
      Everyone finds what to them is not just a chore.
      Do what fits your heart-not for me but for YOU.