A virtual Tashlich program combining cancer support with the ritual practice in which Jews symbolically cast their sins into a body of water is part of Sharsheret’s Rosh Hashanah-related programming. (Sharona Jacobs)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A month later, she had a lumpectomy to remove her malignant tumor. Then she underwent chemotherapy, followed by radiation treatments. Between her frequent hospital visits and concerns over catching the coronavirus while immunocompromised, Guzy barely got to see her children and grandchildren in Providence, Rhode Island. <\/p>\n
But by Rosh Hashanah 2021, she finally had finished all her treatments, and she went to Providence for the holidays. Because of COVID, prayer services at Temple Emanu-El of Providence were held outdoors, in a tent.<\/p>\n
Guzy was ready for that, but she wasn\u2019t emotionally prepared for a particularly unique moment during the service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rabbi asked anyone who had faced a really serious obstacle in their lives that year, and were proud of the fact that they were able to get through it, to please come up to the bimah,\u201d she recalled. \u201cI went up with 20 other people. I don\u2019t know why they were there, but I knew what my reason was. And when I sat down, all of us had tears in our eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was such a profound moment for me,\u201d Guzy said. \u201cWhen you face life-threatening diseases like cancer, you truly embrace God.\u201d <\/p>\n
For Jewish women struggling with breast or ovarian cancer, the High Holidays \u2014 with their focus on matters of life and death and their traditions of family gatherings \u2014 can be an emotionally daunting time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWords they\u2019ve chanted for years about who shall live and who shall die suddenly take on a new meaning when women are facing their own mortality,\u201d said Shera Dubitsky, a senior adviser to Sharsheret, the national Jewish nonprofit that focuses on cancer education and support.<\/p>\n
The challenges can be both spiritual and logistical. Being surrounded by family can serve as an emotional boost, but it may be difficult when relatives offer unsolicited advice. A woman who treasures hosting family gatherings may be forced to forfeit that role because she\u2019s recovering from surgery or undergoing treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is obviously a very important time of year in the Jewish calendar, and it\u2019s both reassuring and difficult for people facing an illness like breast cancer,\u201d said Melissa Rosen, director of training and education at Sharsheret. \u201cIt could be as simple as a woman not being able to see family or travel, or that she\u2019s immunocompromised and people can\u2019t visit her.\u201d<\/p>\n
For others, attending synagogue services may be too strenuous. \u201cSitting and standing in shul for so many hours can be difficult,\u201d Rosen said. \u201cAnd for somebody who\u2019s physically worn down by treatment, that might be impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sharsheret offers genetic and mental health counseling, critical education, emergency relief funds and financial subsidies for non-medical services to Jewish women facing breast and ovarian cancer. The organization, whose name is Hebrew for \u201cchain,\u201d has staffers or volunteers in all 50 states, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe offer programs, resources and services to help women at any stage of their journey \u2014 whether it\u2019s free phone counseling, caregiver support or toys to distract the kids,\u201d said Bonnie Beckoff, Sharsheret\u2019s director of support services. \u201cWe also have 15 social workers on staff who provide ongoing emotional support from the minute of diagnosis through treatment and surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Rosh Hashanah, Sharsheret offers a virtual Tashlich program that combines cancer support with the ritual practice in which Jews symbolically cast their sins into a body of water.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year we talked about how when we throw our breadcrumbs into the water, we\u2019re unburdening ourselves,\u201d Rosen said. \u201cCancer comes with a lot of burdens, so we ask people to write out on water-soluble paper what things they\u2019d like to leave behind in the coming year. It could be the physical pain, or not being able to devote energy to family, or it could be fear. We encourage them to allow the papers to dissolve in water, so they can see it dissipate.\u201d <\/p>\n
This year\u2019s virtual Tashlich is set for 12:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 22. The event, called \u201cLetting Go of Cancer-Related Trauma During the High Holidays,\u201d also will feature music by community educator and vocalist Marni Loffman.<\/p>\n
One theme the group addressed last year was how to pray for forgiveness when at some level cancer patients may feel they\u2019ve been singled out for ill fortune by being diagnosed with cancer. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy did this happen to us? How did my body fail me?\u201d Rosen said. \u201cWe spoke about dealing with cancer as Jews, though this is universal enough that others could appreciate it as well. Everyone deals with these things differently.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guzy contacted Sharsheret for help after her cancer diagnosis and immediately was connected with a social worker whom Guzy said helped her at critical junctures.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey sent me all kinds of material. Prior to my first chemo session, I got a package with a book of Sudoku puzzles, candies and warm comfy socks. They thought of everything. They made an awful experience so much easier,\u201d Guzy recalled. <\/p>\n
With the High Holidays approaching, Guzy said her cancer experience has given her a new perspective.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a new appreciation for life that I don\u2019t think I had before,\u201d Guzy said. \u201cEvery night before I go to bed I write down three things that I love and appreciate. I\u2019m also learning Hebrew online in order to understand all the prayers.\u201d <\/p>\n
To register for the virtual Tashlich program or to access Sharsheret\u2019s support care and services, you may contact the organization using this form or call 866 474-2774.<\/p>\n
This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with Sharsheret, the national Jewish breast cancer and ovarian cancer organization. This article was produced by JTA\u2019s native content team.<\/p>\n
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