Chai Center programs address real-life problems

Judy Haber, along with Traci Kogan and Pat Nisenholz, is co-chairman of the Chai Center committee, an integral part of Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove.

"The Chai Center's mission is to fulfill Judaism's sacred obligation to help repair the world by healing ourselves and others," said Haber. "The center presents and co-sponsors programs that address real life problems that confront temple members. These programs are moderated by temple clergy or other experienced professionals who may advocate solutions that reflect both Jewish and universal values."

The Chai Center was initiated in 2008, by Rabbi Stephen Hart and his wife Mendy. It was the achievement of their quest for a way to help each temple member feel that the temple community can continually fulfill his or her spiritual and emotional needs.

Haber emphasized that the focus of the Chai Center's activities is on temple members as unique individuals and not merely as a generic group.

"Our leaders and members think out of the box. We want to help each temple member find his or her place in Temple Chai and recognize that the temple is an inclusive relevant community. We hope that each individual, with the help of the Center, will achieve his or her own spiritual identity."

Haber cited some examples of Chai Center events. Rabbi Hart and Mendy have led numerous sessions exploring the pathways that enrich and nurture the bonds of love and commitment between husband and wife. Two Center programs have examined the documentary, "Race to Nowhere." First, temple members viewed the documentary. At the second program, a family therapist, seventh-grade temple religious school students, and their parents, joined in discussions about how to keep children resilient when they are over scheduled, over tested and are the victims of social and educational systems that prize competition and performance.

The participants discussed teenage stress, anorexia and the causes of teen suicides. At another event, a well-known social worker discussed what teenage girls are thinking about concerning sexual activities, contraception and other life challenges. The center has addressed the stresses of the "sandwich generation" when middle aged parents are pressured to provide financial assistance and sometimes emotional and/or physical support to both aging parents and their own children. Another event discussed living wills.

The dilemma on how to care for aging parents was a topic examined in April, by experts on geriatric care, senior independent and assisted living, rehabilitation nursing and home and hospice care. Temple members learned how to be attentive to parents while accepting the limits on what younger family members can do.

"The Chai Center recognizes that helping ourselves is both a Jewish and a universal value," said Haber.

Recently, a registered dietitian and a certified personal trainer taught congregants how to eat right and how to exercise at home or at work.

The Chai Center's mission to heal others is continually manifested by its Caring Community which offers meals and transportation to congregants with medical issues and by its Healing Hearts group which provides grief support.

Haber said that the Chai Center has begun a "mitzvah garden" at the temple.

"The garden has a dual purpose. Parents, grandparents and children can work as a team outdoors planting, cultivating, and harvesting vegetables, and the harvest will be donated to local food pantries to help those in need thereby fulfilling our obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves," she said.

Next year, the center will partner with the American Defamation League to consider topical issues that are significant in today's society.

"We hope many temple members will become active in the Chai Center Committee and tell us what programs they want and, perhaps, help chair an event," said Haber. "The Center has a tradition of exploring the spiritual side of issues that are vital to temple members and advancing solutions that will help congregants to continue to repair the world."

All Chai Center events are free to temple members.

For further information contact the chaicenter@templechai.org.

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