It was an informative and enlightening afternoon for approximately 30 Flatbush rabbonim who learned about common mental health problems at a meeting coordinated by Relief Resources and the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition.

Held at Congregation Keter Torah, the seminar featured a 90 minute session given by Dr. Glenn Hirsch, vice chair for clinical affairs and medical director of New York University’s Child Study Center and assistant professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. Among the topics addressed by Dr. Hirsch were anxiety, mood and personality disorders and suicidality, giving participants a broad understanding of these serious issues and providing guidelines on when to recommend professional intervention. Dr. Hirsch’s presentation was followed by a 45 minute question and answer session, providing further insight on delicate topics that can often have far reaching ramifications.

Having an opportunity to shed light on sensitive matters was extremely important, particularly as growing awareness of mental health issues within the Jewish community has had many finally choosing to seek treatment after years of suffering in silence, noted Rabbi Binyomin Babad, director of Relief Resources.

“Rabbonim are often the first line of defense on emotional issues,” said Rabbi Babad. “It is essential for them to understand how to deal with concerns of this nature.”

The seminar was prompted by a previous presentation made by Rabbi Babad at an FJCC rabbonim meeting held several months ago. With the need for a follow up event to continue the conversation readily apparent, Rabbi Babad and FJCC chairman Josh Mehlman worked together to arrange another event tackling mental health issues.

“We have seen tremendous interest from rabbonim because these issues are prevalent in every community and our esteemed rabbonim are interested in providing the best possible service and advice to their mispallelim,” said Mehlman.

A video of the seminar is being made available to rabbonim who were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, with a follow up event delving further into mental health issues already being planned by Relief Resources and the FJCC.

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