Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Struggling with grief as the holidays approach? You’re not alone—bring your feelings of sadness and loss to a place of support and understanding. Join our bereavement group to find comfort, connection, and ways to navigate this challenging season. This session will be led by experienced grief support group facilitators from Alexander JFS, Judy Young and Rabbi Barry Cohen. (Bios below).

Pre-registration is encouraged.

Facilitators:

Barry Cohen
Barry Cohen has dedicated his professional career to serving the Jewish community. After being ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, he began his career in Scottsdale, Arizona, as a congregational rabbi. Then he worked at the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. Cohen returned to the congregational world by serving Temple B’nai Israel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After that, he served as associate rabbi of Temple Chai in Long Grove, Illinois. To specialize in creating sacred relationships, he took part in a Chaplaincy Residency Program. He used these skills to become the first Jewish Community Chaplain of Greater Portland, Oregon. The next exciting chapter of Cohen’s career is being Chaplain Manager at the Alexander JFS, where he is fostering sacred connections with those in spiritual and pastoral need, in conjunction with a dedicated team of volunteers.

Judy Young
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston. She believes in utilizing culturally competent care, strengths-based approach, and a trauma-informed approach to engage with clients toward empowerment, healing, and positive change. She has experience facilitating Grief Support Groups.

This support group is part of The Shalva Project, a new collaborative program between Alexander JFS and Congregation Emanu El that is made possible by the generous support of the Houston Jewish Community Foundation.