This week (12-13 November) is Jewish Women’s Aid Shabbat 2021.

Its goal is to focus our community on the issue of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and generate important conversations that can lead to a culture change. These conversations can take place in synagogue through sermons and discussions, or around the Shabbat table with family and friends.

To help, Jewish Women’s Aid have a Community Toolkit. It includes fact sheets, videos, conversation starters, advice and more.

Jewish Women’s Aid Shabbat is a truly cross-communal event and is supported by Liberal Judaism, the United Synagogue, Reform Judaism, Masorti Judaism, S&P Sephardi Community, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel, the Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors, have filmed a message of support, which you can watch below:

Domestic abuse and sexual violence can happen to anyone. If you are a Jewish woman or girl aged 16+ (14+ in London) and you have experienced abuse and would like some confidential support, please know that you can reach out to Jewish Women’s Aid.

For men who have experienced abuse, there is a specialist support service called Respect.