Conservative Jewish Movement Launches Online Support Group for American Jewish Service Families

NEW YORK – The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism recently launched an online support group for people with family members in the armed forces. The listserv, TheBrave, is a unique online forum allowing these families to share experiences, seek advice and connect with others.

The Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the central body of Reform Judaism in America, has also joined the effort.

Subscribers to the listserv, which is open to all, include Gulf War veterans, chaplains, parents, siblings, and spouses of soldiers, some whom are deployed and others who are still stateside. Dozens of e-mails are exchanged daily as participants ask each other for advice and look for others with whom to share their experiences. While participants come mainly from the United States, some have written from locations in the Middle East.

“Jewish families with members involved in the armed forces often have a hard time finding each other,” notes USCJ International President Judy Yudof. “TheBrave has given Jewish families an arena in which even just the commonality of the experience offers them the slightest bit of comfort.”

This week, a member of TheBrave wrote a heart-wrenching message seeking answers on how to create a connection for her new son to his father who was recently deployed to the Middle East. Within two hours, at least ten people had responded with ideas ranging from tape-recorded messages from Dad, to prayer, to founding support groups.

Other issues on the listserv range from conversations on security and travel to how to approach fellow congregants and rabbis who express discontent over America’s stance on war.