For decades, Jewish organizations have offered counseling to help their communities cope with grief, traditionally focusing on the loss of loved ones. However, since Oct. 7, many in the Jewish world have experienced a profound new form of suffering, finding themselves immersed in a toxic cloud of horror, trauma, grief, disbelief, anger, fear and a sense of abandonment.

This new reality has created a need to address various types of grief. Jewish organizations and synagogues, including those in St. Louis, are now working to provide innovative ways for their communities to navigate these challenges. Later this month, Congregation B’nai Amoona will host a new grief group, “Holding Space for Your Heart,” open to everyone.

Jewish grief

“The primary goal is to hold space for those who need comfort and support.  We are not trying to be therapy or an answer.  Whether it is grief surrounding a person or what is happening in Israel, we are here for you. We know that there are no answers for escaping the pain,” said Liessa Alperin, Director of Congregational Life and Engagement at B’nai Amoona. “

Grief groups come in various formats—open, closed, or focused on specific types of loss. The “Holding Space for Your Heart” group will follow the open format.

“There is a specific nature to open groups that we are hoping to achieve here in our group,” said Alperin. “We aim to provide a welcoming opportunity to share, listen, support and care. Each time we meet, we will begin with introductions, share the group’s covenant emphasizing respect, kindness and confidentiality, and then the time together will evolve based on the needs of those present that day.”

There are no reservations or sign-up required to attend the following sessions.

Holding Space for Your Heart

January
27th at Noon
28th at 10 a.m.

February
24th at Noon
25th at 10 a.m.

March
30th at Noon
31st at 10 a.m.

April
27th at Noon
28th at 10 a.m.

For more information contact Liessa Alperin at [email protected] or 314-576-9990 ext 116

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