Dealing with COVID-19 has impacted us all in unique and challenging ways. This August, Shalom Task Force will be presenting our Shalom Workshop as a gift to our community’s educators, first responders, and newlyweds, as a means of recognizing their experiences over the past few months. These workshops will be given via online video conferencing and presented by Yeshaya Kraus, LCSW, director of the Shalom Workshop program for Shalom Task Force. Over the last decade, more than 2,000 couples have benefited from Shalom Workshop, the premier evidence-based marriage empowerment workshop in the Jewish community. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Our educators selflessly heed the call to build the minds and encourage the growth of our children. Since the beginning of the shelter-in-place order, their creativity, patience, and ingenuity have come to the forefront, as they conduct engaging and educational classes under the most trying of circumstances. We’re grateful to them for their service and dedication, and invite them and their spouses to join us on Wednesday, August 5, for a potentially life-changing experience.

First responders are true heroes of our community, giving their time and effort to ensure that those with medical emergencies get the care they need. Many put themselves in harm’s way in order to care for those in need. They’re on call 24/7/365, and their spouses are equal partners in their vital work. We’re glad to give back to them by inviting them to participate in the second workshop session: on Wednesday, August 12.

The third workshop will be offered to young couples married during the last six months. Certainly, getting married during a pandemic, with all the necessary adjustments, is not a conventional start to building a life together. We invite newly married couples to join STF on Wednesday, August 19, to participate in this workshop. Use this workshop as a springboard to grow together and build your marriage with strength, compassion, and connection. It’s only a couple of hours, but the effects can last a lifetime.

To register for any of these three sessions, visit our website at shalomtaskforce.org. You can also find more information about the workshop, or any of STF’s other services and educational programming. Shalom Workshop can be brought to your shul or community, as well. For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..