Community Page 2024

October is an especially busy month this year! In addition to a month full of Jewish holidays, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and lots of fall activities, October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, Temple Emanu-El is joining our fellow Marblehead faith communities to raise awareness about domestic violence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, about 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. This means that approximately 10 million people per year experience abuse in the U.S.! While we would like to think that our congregation is not affected, the truth is that domestic violence happens in every congregation.

Many of us know that domestic violence is a serious public health problem. By raising awareness, Temple Emanu-El is showing solidarity with those experiencing abuse. We are also raising awareness about domestic violence’s impact on children and families, as well as the need to promote healthy relationships.

 (Be on the lookout for the basket of purple ribbons in the lobby of the sanctuary. We encourage you to take one of the ribbons and wear it for the rest of October. Purple is the universal color of domestic violence awareness; it is a symbol of courage, peace, and survival. Help us take a stand against abuse--our collective action can create a real awareness in our community.)

If you have questions about domestic abuse or would like more information, please visit our local domestic violence resource center, Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) at https://hawcdv.org/.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.  If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, call HAWC at 800-547-1649 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). For resources about faith and domestic violence, visit https://www.interfaithpartners.org/our-resources.

Temple Emanu-El recognizes October
as Domestic Violence Awareness Month