EDU 5352 Soc and Psyc Persp on Jewish Youth

The traditional role of the rabbi has always included among his other functions that of pastoral counseling. In times of stress, the rabbi is often the first professional to whom congregants and students turn for support. His potential for helping is therefore frequently greater than that of mental health professionals. In todays sophisticated and psychologized world, there is a growing need for religious educators to become more informed, sensitive and skilled in the application of mental health principles. The focus of this course is a systematic review of the research literature and practice in addressing secrets in the Jewish community such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and opioid abuse will be discussed. Various psychosocial issues will be presented through a developmental prism. The divergent ways in which problems can present at different stages of the life cycle. In keeping with this developmental approach, basic principles of development throughout the lifespan will be reviewed by viewing issues and difficulties presented to rabbis and educators through the prism of developmental theory. Specific topics that will be covered include infertility, adoption.

Credits

3