Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on February 21, 2022

Chazakah is a fascinating concept in Judaism. This word, with its roots in the Hebrew word for strength, has many halachic applications of which perhaps the best known relates to an action repeated three times. Following tri-fold repetition, an act becomes a chazakah, setting a precedent.

In this vein, I am honoured to write the third op-ed on behalf of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria in relation to ShabbaTTogether. February 18-19 will see a global event taking place in over 800 communities across five continents highlighting mental health and disability inclusion. ShabbaTTogether takes place in February in conjunction with Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

Considering that this is the third time the Rabbinical Council of Victoria is highlighting this wonderful initiative, I hope that it will no longer just remain a theoretical concept. All of us should now embrace this as a precedent, a way of life, and a mindset. A commitment to inclusion should not be limited to a specific weekend or a particular project, rather it should be a chazakah, rooted in our convictions and commitment to lead our lives this way.

Listening to those you wish to include is one of the key ingredients needed when it comes to being inclusive of others.

This years ShabbaTTogether theme, Being inclusive begins with listening, is a theme which is so crucial to inclusivity.

In the main online event, called One Thing I Wish You Knew, participants from across the mental health and disability communities will be invited to share their journeys, struggles, and personal experiences while offering words of hope, change, and empowerment in their communities.

We can learn if we listen. By learning, we can make real and lasting changes.

It does however require active listening. Active listening is a concept that is used in a variety of contexts, including counselling. Listeners must concentrate, comprehend, respond, and then remember what has been said.

According to the Kotzker Rebbe, we can absorb what we hear on three levels. The first is when we simply hear what has been said. The second is when it touches our hearts. The third is when it affects our soul.

We live in a world filled with so much noise and distraction that sometimes I think that that which is said doesnt even reach our ears. We dont pay attention to what the speaker is saying, and he or she might as well be talking to a wall. When we only hear our own voice the entire time, we cant make any significant or worthwhile changes. The questions are often not even asked.

I think it was particularly fortunate for our country that Dylan Alcott was honoured as Australian of the Year for 2022. Dylan embodies the idea of breaking stigma, allowing everyone to feel and know that they have a place and a purpose.

He also inspired us to listen and to ask! He said that people were often scared to ask a question to someone with a disability , which he explained is just the wrong way to go about it. People need to ask questions and listen to answers.

When a person or community organisation wishes to create a space for individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities, we should open our ears and allow their words, their ideas, and their experience to open our hearts and souls.

The first step to reaching any of the three levels mentioned by Kotzker is to respect and care for the other person. When you listen to what they have to say with genuine interest, you will be much more attentive.

You might be surprised at what you learn about that person and yourself if you listen carefully.

So, this year, let us open our minds and hearts and encourage diverse perspectives. Let us listen attentively and actively to discussions about how we can come together as a community to create an environment where everyone feels valued. Ultimately, we are all created in Gods image. That is what truly defines us as human beings. No doubt, together we can create systemic change, Together we can make this a chazakah!

Daniel Rabin is senior rabbi of Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and past president of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria.

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ShabbaTTogether time to hear the message - Australian Jewish News

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