During the holiday of Shavuot we read the Megillat Ruth, the story of a convert that travels to Bethlehem with the mother of her late husband. Ruth’s legacy in Judaism is infamous as the ger tzeddek, the righteous convert, whose lineage begot King David. But something that we can all learn from Ruth is how to support someone in need. 

After the passing of her sons, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem but Ruth would not let her mother-in-law travel alone. She responds, “Wherever you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your G-d my G-d. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried; G-d do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part you and me.”

Ruth shows deep compassion for Naomi by not letting her go it alone. We all know that life is easier with the support of friends, family and the community. Domestic abuse is no different. 

You can support a friend of relative by:

• Listening with patience and compassion, not judgment.
•  Letting them know that you are concerned for their safety.
• Encouraging them to make their own decisions. 
• Telling your friend the abuse is not their fault.
• Not underestimating the victim’s fear of potential danger; the most dangerous time for a victim is usually after making the decision to leave the abuser. 
• Call JCADA’s helpline for additional suggestions at 1-877-88-JCADA(52232).

No victim of domestic abuse should have to go it alone.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse:

• Confide in someone you trust. 
•  Prepare and emergency kit including money, car keys, clothes, phone numbers, medication and critical documents for yourself and your children. 
•  Create a signal or code with a trusted friend or neighbor to indicate when to call the police. 
• Call JCADA – we are here to help. All calls are strictly confidential. JCADA can help assess your situation, create a safety plan and explore you options.

This Sahvuot, may we as a community provide compassion to those victims in need. A Happy and Healthy Chag Sameach.