Tree of Life: Antisemitism: How to Respond

An information and resource guide about antisemitism and how to respond practically and emotionally when faced with a hate-filled incident, designed to help you support congregants and community members.

The past decade or so has seen a steady increase in antisemitic incidents, domestically and around the world. Our sense of security has been shaken. We are asking questions that we thought belonged to the past. Are we safe? Will North America continue to be a welcoming home for us? How openly can we express our Judaism? Is our neighborhood or college campus friendly to Jews? What do we tell our children? This guide defines antisemitism, discusses in psychological impact, and offers practical suggestions for speaking out and responding to antisemitic incidents.

Written by H. Steven Moffic, MD, a member of the Editorial Board of Psychiatric Times and the editor of Anti-Semitism and Psychiatry: Recognition, Prevention, and Interventions. He was chosen to receive the 2024 Abraham Halpern Humanitarian Award from the American Association for Social Psychiatry.

This 8-page pamphlet, sold in packs of 10, includes a connection to Jewish texts, resources from both within and outside the Jewish community, and a healing quotation to offer ongoing support and coping mechanisms. (The 5 x 7” pamphlets are designed to fit existing racks)

Tree of Life is a series of pastoral care pamphlets spanning a wide range of social and emotional topics to offer information, resources, and support to congregants.

People come into a synagogue and other Jewish institutions with a variety of needs. It can be difficult for the clergy and other leaders to be able to address all the demands of their community. These pamphlets give you outreach tools to support congregants who wish to explore what may be stigmatized issues in a comforting, spiritual, and information-based way that can also open a pathway to deeper conversation.

Written by rabbis and/or experts on the subjects, each pamphlet includes a connection to Jewish texts, resources from both within and outside the Jewish community, and a ritual—such as a blessing or meditation—to offer ongoing support and coping mechanisms.

Topics include

• Coping With Depression and Anxiety
• When a Loved One Dies
• Caring for Your Elderly Parents
• Jewish Views of the Afterlife
• Understanding Gender Diversity
• Responding to Antisemitism
• Divorce
• Facing Illness: Healing the Spirit
• Fertility and Pregnancy Loss
• When a Family Member Comes Out as LGBTQIA+
• …and more.

Pamphlets are 8 pages long and are sold in packs of 10. In a convenient 5 x 7 inch format , the pamphlets are easy to hold and designed to fit in existing racks.