In a year marked by fear, grief and ongoing uncertainty, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis and Jewish Family Service St. Paul are hosting a milestone event that could not come at a more vital time: The 25th anniversary of the Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference.
Taking place on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Temple Israel, the free, day-long event is open to all — Jewish and non-Jewish community members alike — and features workshops, panels, and a keynote focused on trauma, healing, and communal support. Registration is available online.
“This conference is an opportunity to be in community, learn from each other, and find support and resources to help us navigate our mental health,” said Tabitha Derango, one of the conference organizers. “It’s open to people of all backgrounds.”
The event’s 25th anniversary underscores the Jewish community’s enduring commitment to mental well-being – and serves as a reflection of how mental health needs have evolved and deepened over the years.
This year’s conference arrives amid rising concerns over collective trauma. From the ongoing war and rampant antisemitism in the diaspora along with local religiously motivated targeted attacks, including threatening antisemitic vandalism at Temple Israel and the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in August, the emotional toll in our community is mounting.
“The Jewish community, like everyone, is experiencing a lot of anxiety, uncertainty, and turmoil as we navigate relationships and life with the constant bombardment of news, gun violence, and more,” DeRango said. “It’s important to note that the effects of trauma linger long after a traumatic event, and everyone experiences trauma differently. This session will help participants recognize that growth after trauma is possible. The topic is timely and relevant as families everywhere continue to navigate the lasting impact of collective and personal trauma. Many of the conference sessions will also touch on these themes.”
The conference aims to provide education, validation, and coping strategies. Sessions will explore a range of timely topics, including regulating emotions, navigating teen mental health, reflective writing, healthy communication at work, and meditation.
This year’s keynote speaker is Melody Moezzi, a Muslim Iranian-American writer, attorney, and outspoken mental health advocate. Her inclusion is not only meaningful but symbolic of the conference’s broader message of interfaith solidarity and healing.
“They’ll be walking away with tools – literal and figurative – that can save their lives or their loved ones’ lives,” Moezzi said. “What to do if somebody in your family is struggling with a mental health condition, and what to do if that somebody is you.”
This is Moezzi’s second time keynoting the conference, and she’s struck by the intentional inclusivity behind her invitation.
“I do think it’s really telling that I’ve been invited as a Muslim Iranian American to speak at this conference twice now,” she said. “It shows a real commitment to inclusion and to addressing shared struggles across communities.”
Moezzi also highlighted the double-edged nature of faith, particularly in times of fear and division.
“People of faith are being targeted in some ways, and at the same time, faith is being used to target other people,” she said. “Ideally, if we can find a way to use our faith that helps us in the world and the people around us, that’s the goal. That’s how you achieve mental health with your faith.”
While the conference is a single-day event, its impact is intended to be long-lasting. The organizers hope attendees leave not only with practical knowledge but also a sense of renewed connection and resilience.
“The beauty of this conference is that it’s free and open to all,” DeRango said. “It provides an opportunity for individuals living with a mental health issue, supporting someone with a mental health issue, or working as a mental health professional to learn, find support, and connection — not just on Oct. 19, but every day.”
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