Bearing Witness Without Burning Out: Navigating Grief, Rage, and Responsibility While Staying Emotionally Resourced

This class offers a supportive, trauma-informed space for anxious and overwhelmed Jews grappling with grief, rage, fear, and moral responsibility in the context of social justice struggles. Many Jews right now are not in crisis—but also not fully okay. In a recent community survey, the most common responses were “concerned but coping,” “angry or frustrated,” and “numb or shut down.”

Grounded in Pirkei Avot 2:21—“You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it”—the class explores how Jewish wisdom can help us stay engaged without becoming depleted. Participants will learn practical tools for regulating anxiety, setting boundaries around news and advocacy, and sustaining themselves for the long haul. Students leave with concrete strategies for remaining emotionally resourced while bearing witness and taking action.

No prerequisites are required. All are welcome to come as they are.