Nismach is a support group designed for the Orthodox Jewish widow. Staffed completely by widows who volunteer their time and resources. The program is a spin-off from the international Samchainu program.
Our programs include monthly meetings, Chanukah and Purim parties, midweek winter and summer trips for different age groups, and a Shabbaton in the Spring. Our events have become a lifeline to our members, connecting them to others who understand their situation and can give them true hope and caring. Our mission also includes giving these women, who are the caregivers to everyone else in their families, the opportunity to "air out" and be treated as they deserve.
Our programs include monthly meetings, Chanukah and Purim parties, midweek winter and summer trips for different age groups, and a Shabbaton in the Spring. Our events have become a lifeline to our members, connecting them to others who understand their situation and can give them true hope and caring. Our mission also includes giving these women, who are the caregivers to everyone else in their families, the opportunity to "air out" and be treated as they deserve.
Nismach is a program of Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington
Redefining Grief
If a person suffers the loss of a limb, his initial reaction is overwhelming despair. Redefining himself is the only manner in which he will be able to extricate himself from focusing upon his loss. After evaluating how his loss impairs his ability to reach the goals he had set for himself in life, the individual must refocus his energies upon seeking alternative methods to attain similar accomplishments, notwithstanding his handicap. In this manner, he can channel his grief into fulfillment.
The loss of a loved one is akin to the loss of a limb. Focusing upon the loss alone only results in grief. True solace can be achieved if the living spouse evaluates the implication of his loss, and redefines themselves in an attempt to fulfill those accomplishments which can no longer be performed by the niftar. Very often, a spouse takes it upon him or herself to complete the life endeavor of the niftar, and through doing so, brings themselves comfort. The word “vayenacheim” means “to reconsider” or “redefine” a new course of action. A person does not forget the niftar; rather, they stop focusing upon the loss which brings only grief, and instead attempt to complete the mission of the niftar, thereby allowing their memory to live on.
(Adapted from article written by Rabbi Yochanan Zweig)
The loss of a loved one is akin to the loss of a limb. Focusing upon the loss alone only results in grief. True solace can be achieved if the living spouse evaluates the implication of his loss, and redefines themselves in an attempt to fulfill those accomplishments which can no longer be performed by the niftar. Very often, a spouse takes it upon him or herself to complete the life endeavor of the niftar, and through doing so, brings themselves comfort. The word “vayenacheim” means “to reconsider” or “redefine” a new course of action. A person does not forget the niftar; rather, they stop focusing upon the loss which brings only grief, and instead attempt to complete the mission of the niftar, thereby allowing their memory to live on.
(Adapted from article written by Rabbi Yochanan Zweig)