Navigating Suicide Awareness in the Jewish Community

NeshamaCast is pleased to rebroadcast this edition of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, hosted by Rabbi Richard Address. In this episode,  Chaplain Barry Pitegoff, BCC, of Neshama-The National Association of Jewish Chaplains, and Missy Stolfi from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention join Rabbi Address to discuss their upcoming virtual webinar, “Through a Jewish Lens,” for survivors of suicide victims. The webinar takes place Sunday, November 24 from noon to 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

This conversation focuses on the critical issue of suicide awareness and prevention within the Jewish community, featuring insights from experts on the statistics, the impact of loneliness, the role of faith leaders, and the introduction of the 988 crisis lifeline. The discussion also highlights the upcoming program, ‘Through a Jewish Lens: Hope and Healing for Suicide Loss Survivors,’ aimed at providing support and resources for those affected by suicide loss.

This year’s program will feature recorded remarks from suicide loss survivor and mental health advocate Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-8) and Ivan Maisel, a longtime ESPN writer and author, who is also a survivor of suicide loss. The program will include live reflections and storytelling from loss survivors across the country and small group discussions.

You can get more information and registration information here.

Takeaways

• Suicide is a multi-generational challenge affecting various demographics.
• Older adults face unique risks due to life transitions and isolation.
• Marriage can act as a protective factor against suicide.
• Faith leaders need more training to support those in crisis.
• The 988 crisis lifeline is a vital resource for mental health emergencies.
• Community support is essential for those grieving suicide loss.
• Shame and guilt often accompany suicide loss, hindering open conversations.
• Programs like ‘Through a Jewish Lens’ provide necessary support and healing.
• The pandemic has exacerbated feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Rabbi Richard F. Address, D.Min, is the Founder and Director of www.jewishsacredaging.com. Rabbi Address served for over three decades on staff of the Union for Reform Judaism;  first as a Regional Director and then, beginning in 1997, as Founder and Director of the URJ’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns and served as a specialist and consultant for the North American Reform Movement in the areas of family related programming. Rabbi Address was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1972 and began his rabbinic career in Los Angeles congregations. He also served as a part time rabbi for Beth Hillel in Carmel, NJ while regional director and, after his URJ tenure,  served as senior rabbi of Congregation M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, NJ from 2011-2014.

Chaplain Barry E. Pitegoff, BCC, is Staff Chaplain at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY, serves as the NAJC Volunteer Webmaster (a/k/a “najcwebmaven”), and is certified by the Red Cross in Disaster Spiritual Care Services.   Chaplain Pitegoff transformed 25+ years of volunteer chaplaincy at hospices and hospitals into professional chaplaincy with a BCC from NAJC.  Chaplain Pitegoff holds a BBA in Statistics from Baruch College / CUNY, an MBA from Adelphi University, and graduate studies in Theology and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of South Florida. Chaplain Pitegoff is the Chair of the Planning Committee for “Through a Jewish Lens,” a day of virtual support for Jewish survivors of suicide loss, a project of AFSP, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

Missy Stolfi, M.Ed., i is a dedicated nonprofit professional with a strong commitment to mental health advocacy. Currently serving as the Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the Capital and North Country regions of New York, she focuses on promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives.

With a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University at Buffalo, Missy is passionate about social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and community engagement. She is also an enthusiastic volunteer and a proud aunt, known for her love of animals and support for local sports teams, including the Buff