September 17, 2008
17 Elul 5768

Memo To: Rabbanim Chashuvim

From: Rabbi Binyamin Hammer
Director of Rabbinic Services

Topic: Pastoral Counseling Program for Rabbanim, graduates of previous NCYI Rabbinic Training Programs and chaplains


I am thrilled to announce the National Council of Young Israel’s new Pastoral Counseling Program, in conjunction with Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services and Touro College.

The Torah teaches us that the greatest leaders of each generation were shepherds, tending, with great love, to their flock. Chazal teach us that it was this training, protecting, and caring that prepared our Avot, the Shvatim, Moshe Rabbeinu and David HaMelech for their destinies as leaders of Klal Yisrael.

In today’s Torah leadership, the esteemed role of Marah D’Atra is increasingly challenged by the psychological and social pressures the 21st century has placed on their congregants. . These issues compound the traditional role of the pastoral counselor and create pressures and demands for the Marah D’Atra that heretofore have not been necessary. Among these are the need that the rav develop knowledge of counseling and an understanding of how to make a proper referral to the correct agency. This is not an easy job and requires a deep understanding of the issues and the modalities for treatment.

The National Council of Young Israel’s Division of Professional Development of the Department of Rabbinic Services, in conjunction with Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services and Touro College, has developed a course of study in psychological and social issues as well as basic counseling skills. The program will enhance the ability of a Marah D’Atra to understand the needs of his kehillah and to enable him to make appropriate and helpful suggestions, whether halachic or personal. Improving his skills will help a rabbi to become an important resource for each member of his congregation in every aspect of their lives. Historically and philosophically, the Young Israel movement has been at the forefront in facilitating close relationships between rav and congregant. Through our rabbinic conferences, Leylei and Yomei Iyun, and our heralded Rabbinic Training Program, the Department of Rabbinic Services has worked tirelessly to ensure that Youn g Israel members feel they are receiving the very best from their rabbi.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, renowned psychiatrist, author of A Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling, enthusiastically supports a rabbinic course study focusing on mental health issues and encourages all rabbinic leaders to attend this important program. All program presenters are Ohel staff members or are specifically selected by Ohel, such as Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, and Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Director of Community Mental Health Services at Ohel.
By developing a pastoral counseling track through a continuing education program, in conjunction with Ohel and Touro College, NCYI hopes to further enable congregants to recognize that their rabbi is:

• Committed to them and to their community
• Continuing his education to gain insight and to    improve  his ability to counsel them
• Along with the rebbetzin, is available to help with their concerns

The program will provide a professional environment for rabbis to learn how to handle various important issues that occur in the community. It will formulate and put into place culturally appropriate workshops for diversely observant Jews under Orthodox auspices. The program will also include two Leylei Iyun, which will be open to all rabbanim, rebbetzins, rabbinic students, and chaplains.

Upon completion of the ten-course curriculum, each participant will receive a certificate from the National Council of Young Israel, Ohel, and Touro College.

Be’ezrat HaShem, the program will begin on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. All sessions are from 7-9 pm, with the exception of the two Leylei Iyun, which will be from 7-10 pm. Please see the tentative schedule by clicking here.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NCYI OFFICE AND ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW. SPACE IS LIMITED.

For questions or to request an application, please contact the National Council of Young Israel’s Department of Rabbinic Services at 212-929-1525 ext. 113 or by email at rabbis@youngisrael.org.