You’re invited to bring the conversation around mental health to your Shabbat table in May for Mental Health Awareness Month and at all times throughout the year. Whether you’re gathering with roommates, friends, or new guests, Shabbat dinner is a time to engage in powerful conversation, connect with others, and create a community of caring and inclusivity. In the United States, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition over the course of a given year (National Association of Mental Illness). That’s 46.6 million people annually. Your outreach, your dinner table, and your kindness may impact someone more than you know.
A return to new. Coming out of hibernation. A transition into the next normal.
Let us remind you (and ourselves) that we have the permission to come back to the familiar at a speed that’s best for us. A butterfly comes out of its cocoon when it’s ready to. A bear leaves the cave after hibernating… “and you, mighty human, deserve to take your time too.”
Take the Pause You Need draws on wisdom from the animal kingdom and features a spoken word love note written for those who may want to re-emerge slowly. The poem is by award-winning poet, Charly Jaffe, set to illustrations by Heather Schieder and music by Broadway’s Andrew Resnick. Click here to view + download the poem by Charly.
Produced by Adam Kantor and Charly Jaffe. Special thanks to video editors Nathan Colby and Nicolas Mackall.
Once you’re approved, post your dinner by the Tuesday before your dinner. You can receive support (up to $300 Nourishment for open dinners or $100 for private dinners) to host for your friends, roommates, the greater community, or even just for yourself.
Invite friends! Share the link to your dinner, post about it on social media, and plan for your beautiful night of connection. If it’s open to the community, make sure to tag your event with “Mentalhealth” so that others can find it.
Find Your Seat at the Table
Search the tag (Mental Health) on OneTable’s Dinners page to see events specifically taking place in your city.
RSVP to claim your spot. Feel free to invite friends (space permitting) and contact the host if you have any specific dietary or accessibility needs.
Virtual Support Groups
The Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI) offers free virtual support groups for Jewish adults and affinity groups. These sessions, facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, provide a safe space to connect, share, and navigate the challenges of today’s world. Learn more and sign up to find a community that provides connection and support.
