This Saturday night, February 4, the Levi Yitzchak Library will be launching the first in a series of contemporary “Meet the Author” forums. The first forum being presented, in conjunction with Jewish Board of Advocates for Children, will be on the topic of combating abuse in the Jewish community.
For too long, children and teens who have encountered various degrees of abuse had been silenced. Seldom has there been support to help them through their harrowing ordeal and advocate for their protection. But the silence, secrecy, and hushed tones only served to protect the abusers while the anguish and torture never went away for the innocent victims. While the subject is difficult to discuss, we as a community are beginning to realize the importance of discussing the subject openly with our children and one another in the hopes that we can prevent more children from becoming victims.
Originally penned under the pseudonym Eishes Chayil, HUSH! tells the story of Gittel and Devory, who have been best friends forever; born on the same day in the same hospital, the girls are more like sisters than neighbors. Living in a predominantly chassidic neighborhood in New York, the girls have been sheltered from all the things their community deems unseemly. But Gittel’s innocence is shattered one night when she witnesses Devory being abused. Gittel knows she has seen something terrible, but her culture does not have the words to explain what she has seen, so she is told to keep silent. Her knowledge continues to haunt her, and Gittel’s silence begins to feel like guilt.
Unfortunately, this tragic story is based on firsthand experiences of abuse and is the reality for way too many innocent children. While the author originally believed that remaining anonymous was important to keeping the focus of her book on such a distressing and difficult subject, she, Judy Brown, decided to reveal her identity after the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky this past summer. Brown has vowed to “find the courage to stand with the victims who carry the burden of our silence for the rest of their lives.”
For Michael Salamon, Ph.D., this is a story he too has heard too many times. A longtime Five Towns resident, psychologist, and author, Salamon is spreading awareness about abuse through lectures and his newly released book, Abuse in the Jewish Community: Religious and Communal Factors that Undermine the Apprehension of Offenders and the Treatment of Victims. “I think the only way to deal with it is to be more aware of it. I think that reporting abuse and abusers and teaching people how to recognize when they’re being abused is important . . . to understand when they’re being groomed into being in an abusive relationship and preventing it.”
Come hear Judy Brown and Michael Salamon as they share with us their personal experiences in dealing with this issue. Thanks also to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Grosz and Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Pasik for sponsoring the evening’s program. The program will take place this Saturday night, February 4, 8:30 p.m. at the Levi Yitzchak Library (564 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst). Light refreshments will be served.
Other events at the Levi Yitzchak Library:
Monday, February 6, Fireside Chats: “Hashkafic Workshops for Women: The things you wish your kallah teacher shared with you.” Practical insights into enhancing your relationship with your husband. For married women only. Presentation given by prominent kallah teachers Mrs. Yaffa Goldsmith and Mrs. Devorah Resnick, 8:00 p.m. Light refreshments and question submission; 8:30 p.m. workshop. Question-and-answer period to follow.
Wednesday, February 8, 5:30–6:15 p.m. Book Buddies Session II begins. Teens and children are paired up to bond while reading a good book. The program ends with a treat sponsored by QCumbers. To sign up as a teen volunteer or child participant, call 516-374-2665, e‑mail bracha@lylibrary.com, or visit the library.
The Levi Yitzchak Library is a community-based nonprofit organization. It is a comprehensive library and media center serving all residents and communities throughout Long Island’s South Shore and beyond. The center’s mission is to preserve and share knowledge and understanding about historical and modern-day Judaism, its art, literature, traditions, and heritage. In addition, the library offers a wide array of programs and events, many of which are free of charge. To sponsor a program or make a donation, please contact the library at 516-374-BOOK (2665) or info@lylibrary.org. The library is located at 564 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst.