COVID-19 Resources for Youth Professionals

Sefaria: A Living Library of Jewish Texts

Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, adults, children and teens are trying to make sense of what the outbreak means for their families and communities. Those with anxiety disorders may feel more worry than usual.

Resources for Challenging Times

Jewish tradition offers rich, accessible, and time-tested resources to cope with moments like these. The Institute for Jewish Spirituality, which has pioneered the development and teaching of Jewish mindfulness practices for over 20 years, is here for you now. We are offering the following resources to our community:

Caring for Your Mental Health Despite the Coronavirus

A virus that has spread across the globe, coupled with breaking news accessible to us at any time, has made many of us worried. It can be hard to stay calm when there is fear and unease in the media, stories of self-quarantines, and shortages of sanitizing products. Many people are feeling anxious, even if they rarely experience anxiety.

5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus

People of all ages are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus, and teenagers, as a group, tend to experience emotions especially intensely. If you are raising, teaching or otherwise caring for an adolescent who is feeling very nervous about it, here are five things you can do.

Protecting Your Congregation & Community from Coronavirus (USCJ)

With cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) appearing across the globe, many synagogues and their communities are feeling uneasy or even fearful. However, because this outbreak is changing, we strongly urge clergy, lay leadership, and community members to keep themselves well-informed.

Orthodox Union Guidance Regarding COVID-19

With the input of our leading Rabbis, and with the guidance of our team of infectious disease specialists of the highest caliber, this section contains updates regarding significant statements and policies provided by the Orthodox Union. This resource will be updated as circumstances evolve, with the latest up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 FAQ's for Jewish Educators

Professionals working in Jewish settings have raised a number of questions in response to COVID-19 as they seek concrete answers as to how best to proceed with programming and gathering, policies for staff and students, and ensuring that learners can thrive. At this time, most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Reported illnesses due to infection with COVID-19 have ranged from mild to severe. While many patients experience mild illnesses, it is still critical that we take all precautions to protect members of our community who may be at greater risk.

How Reform Congregations are Coping with COVID-19, and Tools to Help

To help you prioritize your community’s health, safety, and spiritual wellbeing, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources that is being updated as additional resources become available.

Coronavirus COVID-19 for Educators: Resources and Support

We are compiling school-related guidance on how Jewish Day School, Congregation, JCC, Early Childhood, and independent settings are responding and planning in their communities. Please use the sub-menu above to access each of our main sections.