Women's League

· When is National Suicide Prevention Month? (September) Day? (September 10)

It is a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus in efforts on treatment to those who need it. All throughout the month of September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

· What is the message this year?

#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for the month of September and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and hope.

· What are the risk factors of someone struggling with suicide?

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but it’s important to be aware of them. Some of the risk factors include mental disorder, alcohol and other substances abuse, history of trauma or abuse, major physical illness, family history of suicide, job or financial loss, relationship loss and hopelessness.

· What are the warning signs of someone struggling with suicide thoughts?

Someone at risk of committing suicide include talking and wanting to die, looking for ways to kill themselves, talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or feeling like a burden, increase use of alcohol or drugs, sleeping too much or too little, isolation and showing rage or extreme mood swings.

· What are some tips to help someone struggling with suicide thoughts? 

ASK – research shows people having suicide thoughts are relief when someone ask after them in a caring way. Knowledge and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal intentions.

BE THERE – Individual are more likely to feel less depress, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

KEEP THEM SAFE – When lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, frequently suicide rates overall decline.

HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED – Helping someone at risk creates a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

FOLLOW UP – Brief and low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide call the NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE at 1-800-273-8255 or 24/7 SUICIDE PREVENTION –GET HELP TODAY 211

We watched the events from Washington DC in the last 24 hours with dismay but also steely resolve to pursue peace and justice as our sacred tradition demands. What we witnessed is unparalleled since the Civil War. The violent crowd, storming into the U.S. Capital and attacking the two Houses of Congress. This is an outrage. The Mishnah teaches us that we must always pray for the government. It is imperative that the Jewish community, stand together as one. We must not allow political division to undermine the unity of our community

May God restore peace to our nation, and may God bless America.

Prayer for our Country

Our God and God of our ancestors, we invoke your blessing upon our country, and upon the leaders of our nation, and of our communities. Inspire all who lead and serve to conduct their affairs faithfully and with devotion to justice. May peace and security, happiness and prosperity, right and freedom abide among us. Unite the inhabitants of our country, of all backgrounds and creeds, to banish hatred and bigotry, to safeguard our noblest ideals, and to preserve the institution which nurture liberty. May this land under Your Providence be an influence for good throughout the world, helping to unite all peoples in peace and freedom, and bringing closer to fulfillment the vision of Your prophets; “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” “For the work of the righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness calm and confidence forever.” AMEN

                                                        “Those who slander us shall

                                                          Have no hope, and all their

                                                            evil ways be gone (lost)

                                                                     immediately”

We are looking forward to many more wonderful years here at Temple Beth Shmuel- Cuban Hebrew Congregation. Contrary to what you have heard as awful continuing gossip we will ALWAYS be Temple Beth Shmuel – Cuban Hebrew Congregation of Miami Inc. You have heard we would close many years ago but we remain functioning and we will continue to keep our doors OPEN to the community. I thank you for your support and look forward to 2021, in which we will share and participate in many cultural, educational and social events in our beautiful sanctuary and newly renovated starlight Olemberg Ballroom.

Stay safe, distance and always wear your mask.

Happy Holidays

Becky Kobrowski, President and the WL Board

Now is the time to find the spiritual connection inside, not inside a physical structure, but inside ourselves. The community will connect with the help of technology. But we must also find the way to create our own spiritual connection. Perhaps we can make the environment in our personal home help ignite the spirit. For some candles, artwork and religious symbols could help decorate the environment, and feel like a personal sanctuary. For some it might be the presence of family or friends in the same room, or even over a computer screen. Many will want to take a quiet time before or after the recorded services, contemplating the previous year and the next year, meditating on the hopes, dreams, expectations and potential surprises the world offers. We take time to remember the blessings and the challenges, while trying to feel blessed by both especially this year. We are truly challenged to make our home our sanctuary. Let us see Hashem before our eyes, in our home and in our hearts. Starting from such holy hearts, holy homes and holy minds, together we will make it a very sweet New Year.

L’shalom, 

Becky Kobrowski