Together in Turbulent Times: A Support Space for Jewish Lawyers and the Legal Community
- ALCCA Staff
- May 29
- 3 min read
In response to the alarming rise in antisemitism—most recently underscored by the tragic shooting outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.—Lawyers Combating Antisemitism, a proud member of ALCCA, convened an emergency support webinar: Together in Turbulent Times: A Support Space for Jewish Lawyers and the Legal Community. This special session offered Jewish legal professionals a safe space to process collective grief and trauma, drawing on both clinical expertise and Jewish tradition.
The session was led by licensed trauma therapists Malka Shaw and Jodi Taub, who each brought decades of experience in supporting individuals and communities through grief, PTSD, intergenerational trauma, and identity-based violence. Both are affiliated with the Kesher Shalom Projects, a mental health initiative focused on Jewish cultural competence and trauma-informed resilience.
Watch the full session below—or scroll down to read the key takeaways from the session.
Key Takeaways from the Session
A Moment of Collective Pain and Urgency
Licensed trauma therapists Malka Shaw and Jodi Taub reflected on the emotional and psychological weight of recent events, especially the targeted shooting of two individuals outside a Jewish event:
For many, this tragedy felt like a breaking point in a long, escalating pattern of antisemitism.
The absence of widespread public response has deepened feelings of isolation, grief, and betrayal.
Jewish individuals are experiencing an intensified awareness of their visibility and vulnerability.
Understanding Trauma in Jewish Communities
The speakers explored the ongoing impact of trauma on the Jewish community:
Trauma occurs when individuals feel unsafe, out of control, or overwhelmed.
Jewish communities are facing collective, prolonged trauma—compounded in some cases by intergenerational memories of antisemitism, including the legacy of Holocaust survival for those whose families were directly affected.
Betrayal trauma and hypervigilance are common psychological responses, especially as many longtime allies have remained silent.
Coping Strategies to Ground and Heal
Psychological Tools:
Mindfulness and breathwork to calm the nervous system
Creative expression (art, writing, cooking, music)
Maintaining routines and prioritizing self-care
Spiritual Tools:
Observing Shabbat rituals, even in small ways (e.g., lighting candles, saying blessings)
Drawing on Jewish teachings and traditions to foster connection and purpose
Reframing Jewish identity around resilience, not just suffering
Jewish Tradition as a Source of Strength
The speakers emphasized how Jewish wisdom can help navigate trauma:
“Do not separate yourself from the community”—healing happens through connection
“All of Israel is responsible for one another”—collective responsibility can also be a source of collective strength
Preserving life—includes mental and emotional well-being
Judaism teaches that resilience does not mean pretending to be fine; it means continuing forward with intention and community support
A Call to Action
The webinar concluded with an invitation for participants to take small but meaningful steps:
Speak out specifically against antisemitism
Reconnect with Jewish identity and community life
Perform one act of remembrance or resilience—light candles, share Jewish traditions, etc.
Healing begins with connection, and it continues with action. Every step counts.
Additional Resources
For those seeking continued support, guidance, or opportunities to deepen their resilience and connection, the following resources may be helpful.
The Canadian Jewish Law Association—a vital organization uniting legal professionals in the pursuit of justice, equality, and the eradication of hate.
This session is one example of how ALCCA’s member organizations are responding to urgent community needs. While ALCCA’s core priorities include community action and policy engagement, promoting respectful dialogue, and legal action and strategy—including through initiatives like our Canadian Criminal Law Working Group—we also work to amplify member-led efforts that offer emotional, educational, and practical support in moments of crisis. Together, we are building a coordinated, resilient response to antisemitism in all its forms.