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MAY 17, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Parenting with Courage at MASK-Torah Psychology Event
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unday, April 29 at Congregation Beth Torah in Brooklyn, M.A.S.K. (Mothers and Fathers Aligned Saving Kids) and Torah Psychology hosted the 3rd Annual Viktor Frankl Conference, “Awaking Greatness in Children: Transforming the Intense Child.” Each speaker acknowledged the difficulties parents must deal with in the face of problems that often seem hopeless with an aura of great compassion. The event featured an all-day training by Howard Glasser, world renowned psychologist and founder of the Nurtured Heart Approach©. Mr. Glasser has a great deal of success in helping parents implement change in their children who suffer from various challenges such as ADHD, ODD, depression and anxiety without the use of medication. The approach is geared to help difficult children develop stores of what he calls “inner wealth” which allows them to become more resilient, emotionally intelligent and “reframe their experience” of who they really are. Glasser presented his approach to the 150+ parents in the
M.A.S.K. track, giving them new language, concepts, concrete suggestions and new hope. The professional track was a full day workshop consisting of over 100 therapists, educators and others who are involved with struggling children. CEO of the Children’s Success Foundation, Glasser has written 14 books, including Transforming the Difficult Child, which was handed out at the event. Rabbi Y.Y. Jacobson addressed the parents with humor and insight. The rabbi stated his strong belief that everyone is doing their best and urged parents to face challenges with honesty and confront their fears. Injustice happens, he continued, when good people remain silent. “Reach out and use the resources that are avail-
able; don’t run away from a problem. Ask yourself, ‘What would G-d want me to do in this moment?’” For the last 11 years, pro-bono Yeshiva Liaison Mr. Shuli Halpert has helped hundreds of boys and girls find the right schools. He advised the parents to look out for early signs in their children and not to wait until they are in 6th, 7th or 8th grade. Mr. Halpert recommended evaluating the child by the 6th grade. If a student is weak, he advised looking for a school with its own high school. “Don’t wait until the 8th grade,” he pushed. “I can’t tell you the pain some kids go through and they never get over it.” In his experience, Mr. Halpert has seen troubled children come for help accompanied
by their mothers most often and appealed to fathers to become more involved. “The world today is different than even five years ago and it is influencing our children. Every generation must deal with a different yetzer hara, which can be nearly impossible to understand.” He told a story of a grandfather who was unable to fathom why his grandson was wearing ripped jeans. “Zeidy,” the boy told him, “you’ll never understand.” Among the many practical suggestions, Mr. Halpert strongly suggested Tehillim. Various elected officials and community leaders appeared in support of MASK. Mr. and Mrs. Avrohom Klein, founders of Yad Malky Legacy, were acknowledged and thanked for
their sponsorship. The Kleins have shown great courage in sharing their personal tragedy to the community for helping others. Treatment centers from around the country had representatives in a Market Place and Interborough and LSA, the main sponsors of the event provided Nalaxone training. Ruchama Clapman, MASK’s founder, thanked all the sponsors, MASK staff and volunteers, elected officials and everyone who spoke and attended the conference, making it a truly outstanding event. Sponsors included: Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center; Yad Malky Legacy; LSA Recovery; Ignite Treatment Centers; Treatment Placement Specialists – an initiative of Acadia Healthcare; Behavioral Crossroads; Meadows Behavioral Healthcare; Dynamic Youth Community; Pasadena Villa; Next Chapter Addiction Treatment; The SAFE Foundation; Seasons in Malibu: Journeys; Teen Drug Test; ThriveNYC and The Jewish Press.
Purpose and Pleasure, All Year Long It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s the moment you are living for. The night is inky, the world is asleep, and you’re infused with such purpose, such pleasure, such pride that your heart feels tight with joy. It’s Shavuos night, and you are learning, and feeling so connected – to Hashem, to His ratzon, to yourself – and experiencing a simcha shel Torah to soar you for a lifetime. For some select individuals, this sublime experience is a nightly occurrence. And its depth and dimension increases with time, expands with experience. These are the distinguished
talmidei chachamim of Kollel Chatzos, who imbibe the aliyah of Torah all night, every night. Just like you know – at that silent moment before the alos, with the heady exhilaration of a night of Torah behind you – that you feel so close to Hashem and you can daven
and be heard – these talmidei chachamim exult in this experience every night of the year. And so, it is no secret that when Yidden seek a yeshua, they approach these talmidei chachamim to represent them before the Kisei HaKavod. Because Yidden who have a glimpse
While supporting talmidei chachamim is a tremendous zechus every night of the year, erev Shavuos is a particularly special time. Rabi Chaim Palagi encouraged people waiting for a yeshua – especially individuals longing for children – to set aside 104 special coins for talmidei chachamim erev Shavuos to merit miracles. After witnessing the incredible power of this segula, Kollel Chatzos invites Yidden to partner with Kollel Chatzos. For just $104 Kollel Chatzos will perform this segula on behalf of you or your loved ones.
of the madraigos of Torah on Shavuos know firsthand the koach of nightlong Torah learning. These Yidden understand the power of the Kollel Chatzos talmidei chachamim. Many partner with Kollel Chatzos specifically for Shavuos. It’s the day of Kabbalas HaTorah, when the talmidei chachamim receive the strength and cheshek to continue learning all year long… and Yidden worldwide feel privileged to be counted amongst those who give the talmidei chachamim the ability to continue learning… And, in return, Yidden receive the birchos HaTorah… For the Torah always rewards her supporters handsomely.