Messianic Jewish Pastoral Care 1,2,3
(May29, 2005 - September 18, 2005 - November 20 , 2005)

Tikvat Israel is offering a series of three courses on Jewish Pastoral Care taught by Rabbi Russ Resnik, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Rabbi Resnik teaches that pastoral care is based on the idea of gemilut chasadim, deeds of loving kindness in imitation of God, which are incumbent upon all members of the community. They become part of the life of the community as we share needs as they arise, enlist help and equip helpers, and use public events and services to encourage, affirm, and heal. These three classes on Messianic Jewish pastoral care are for congregational leaders, both lay and professional, counselors, and others who desire to serve their local community. As an introduction to pastoral care, they will equip you to:

• Understand and incorporate gemilut chasadim, deeds of lovingkindness, into your life and the life of your congregation.
• Respond effectively to emotional and spiritual needs of congregants and others in the larger community, as they arise.
• Appreciate and utilize traditional and current resources to enhance Jewish life cycle events.
• Employ these events as transition points that build up the individuals involved and the whole community.

Class one introduces pastoral care, especially in comparison to therapeutic counseling, and discusses some elements of a rabbinic psychology, and the importance of life-cycle events. It goes on to provide guidelines and resources for the Messianic Jewish pastoral caregiver.

Date and Time: May 29, 2005, September 18, 2005, and November 20, 2005. The courses are tentatively set to commence at 9:30 a.m. and to conclude at 4:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch on your own.

Instructor: Rabbi Russ Resnik, general secretary of the UMJC and a Licensed Professional Clinical counselor

Tuition: For each course, early registration is $45 ($35 for each additional family member). Regular registration is $60 ($50 for each additional family member). There is an additional $25.00 administrative fee for course credit. Early registration ends a month before the class date.

Credit: This is a one credit course.

Registration Form: <Adobe Zip File >

Recommended Texts (REQUIRED if taking the course for credit):

These books are essential teaching tools in the course and must be purchased in advance and brought to the TOVAH course by those taking the course for credit.

Jewish Pastoral Care: A Practical Handbook
by Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman