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REAL Mental Health Initiative (MHI)

Explore our 2025 ~ 2026 Program Season

Ten years ago, Rabbi Stacy gave a Kol Nidre Sermon in which she shared that Robin Williams’ death by suicide gave her the bravery to share openly that her step-father, too, had taken his own life.  This was also the sermon that launched the REAL Mental Health Initiative program in our community. We invite you to a new season of meaningful conversations and connection at Rodef Sholom! Mark your calendars, bring your curiosity, and come be part of these powerful conversations. See below for more on our new season!

 

TuesdayTue, 4 MarMarch, 2025

REAL Parent Support

Tuesday, Mar 4th 7:00p to 9:00pThis monthly group is open to all parents of teens, young adults, and adult children. We support parents as they navigate mental health challenges, the struggles on the way to independent adulthood, and other challenges. Join us to connect, support one another, and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesday of each month. Email MHI to receive the Zoom link.

MORE INFO

ThursdayThu, 20 MarMarch, 2025

REAL Support for People with Chronic Illness

Thursday, Mar 20th 2:00p to 3:00pJoin others in a safe place to explore living well with chronic pain or illness. We’ll focus on the spiritual terrain of our lives, sharing stories of courage and perseverance as we learn from one another.

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TuesdayTue, 1 AprApril, 2025

REAL Parent Support

Tuesday, Apr 1st 7:00p to 9:00pThis monthly group is open to all parents of teens, young adults, and adult children. We support parents as they navigate mental health challenges, the struggles on the way to independent adulthood, and other challenges. Join us to connect, support one another, and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesday of each month. Email MHI to receive the Zoom link.

MORE INFO

ThursdayThu, 17 AprApril, 2025

REAL Support for People with Chronic Disability

Thursday, Apr 17th 2:00p to 3:00pJoin others in a safe place to explore living well with chronic pain or illness. We’ll focus on the spiritual terrain of our lives, sharing stories of courage and perseverance as we learn from one another.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 6 MayMay, 2025

REAL Parent Support

Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00pThis monthly group is open to all parents of teens, young adults, and adult children. We support parents as they navigate mental health challenges, the struggles on the way to independent adulthood, and other challenges. Join us to connect, support one another, and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesday of each month. Email MHI to receive the Zoom link.

MORE INFO

ThursdayThu, 15 MayMay, 2025

REAL Support for People with Chronic Illness

Thursday, May 15th 2:00p to 3:00pJoin others in a safe place to explore living well with chronic pain or illness. We’ll focus on the spiritual terrain of our lives, sharing stories of courage and perseverance as we learn from one another.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 3 JunJune, 2025

REAL Parent Support

Tuesday, Jun 3rd 7:00p to 9:00pThis monthly group is open to all parents of teens, young adults, and adult children. We support parents as they navigate mental health challenges, the struggles on the way to independent adulthood, and other challenges. Join us to connect, support one another, and share strategies for self-care. Meets first Tuesday of each month. Email MHI to receive the Zoom link.

MORE INFO

ThursdayThu, 19 JunJune, 2025

REAL Support for People with Chronic Illness

Thursday, Jun 19th 2:00p to 3:00pJoin others in a safe place to explore living well with chronic pain or illness. We’ll focus on the spiritual terrain of our lives, sharing stories of courage and perseverance as we learn from one another.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 6 AprApril, 2025

REAL Book Talks Presents Nancy Pechner in conversation with Rabbi Leo Fuchs

Sunday, Apr 6th 4:00p to 5:30pThem Before Me is the story of a child innocently born into a family living in emotional chaos. Nancy’s parents lived in the shadow of historical trauma from immigration, family deaths, abuse, and divorce, and were unable to deliver the parental structure and dependable love this child so desperately needed. As Nancy put her personal puzzle pieces together, although often painful and heartbreaking, but totally worth the journey, telling her story of Them Before Me was a gift. Not just for herself, but for those who need the permission and tools to find their own paths of healing their hearts and souls.

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WednesdayWed, 5 MarMarch, 2025

REAL Speaker Series presents Professor Elissa Epel: How to Manage Stress & Build Resilience

Wednesday, Mar 5th 7:00p to 8:30pJoin UCSF Professor Elissa Epel for an engaging conversation on managing stress and cultivating resilience in our daily lives. Elissa Epel, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, and a leading expert on the effects of chronic stress on health and aging. She is the author of The Stress Prescription and co-author of the New York Times bestseller The Telomere Effect.

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WednesdayWed, 2 AprApril, 2025

REAL Presents Dr. Jen Gunter on Hormones and Women's Mental Health: Changes Across the Lifespan

Wednesday, Apr 2nd 7:00p to 8:30pJoin us for an enlightening and engaging evening with Dr. Jen Gunter, internationally bestselling author and renowned expert in women’s health, as she delves into Hormones and Women's Mental Health: Changes Across the Lifespan.

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ThursdayThu, 15 MayMay, 2025

REAL Presents Dr. Tracey Gendron on Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It

Thursday, May 15th 7:00p to 9:00pJoin us for an eye-opening evening with Dr. Tracey Gendron, acclaimed gerontologist and author of Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. In dialogue with congregant Dr. Riva Nelson, Tracey will delve into the pervasive issue of ageism—how it infiltrates our society, influences our perceptions, and impacts our lives. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, she will challenge our preconceived notions about aging and offer insights into embracing elderhood as a time of renewed meaning and purpose.

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Weekly Support Groups
 

REAL SEEKERS: A JEWISH 12-STEP RECOVERY GROUP - In Person
MEETS WEDNESDAYS EACH WEEK
LOCATION: Rodef Sholom
This peer-led group welcomes anyone seeking freedom from alcohol or substance use, or those who wish to deepen their recovery. Mutual support, shared learning, and spiritual connection are pursued through 12-step literature and Jewish spiritual teachings, to assist members to enhance their recovery through Judaism. You do not need to be Jewish to attend. For more information please contact Jennifer Golbus at jennifergolbus@gmail.com.


New Groups Forming
 

NEW GROUPS FORMING! For parents of young children; Groups will meet monthly, exact dates and time TBD. In-person at Rodef Sholom. Please email mhi@rodefsholom.org for more information or to sign up. 

WHO AM I NOW?
Motherhood is a profound journey—full of joys, challenges, and ever-evolving identity. This group offers a space to connect, share, and process the complexities of motherhood, from relationships and career balance to self-care and societal roles. Open to mothers of all ages and stages.

TODDLER PARENTS:
Parenting a toddler is both exciting and demanding as their personalities emerge and needs evolve. This group is for moms of children ages 1-4, providing a supportive space to navigate the joys and challenges of this dynamic stage. Jenny Werba, LMFT, LPCC is a mother, a congregant, as well as a perinatal and fertility therapist who specializes in supporting individuals and couples struggling with the familyhood transition. 


 

The REAL Mental Health Initiative is made possible by a grant from the Laszlo N. Tauber

 Family Foundation

Emergency Resources
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988. The Marin County Crisis Stabilization Unit can be reached at (415) 473-6666.

Fri, February 21 2025 23 Sh'vat 5785