T3: Seeking Shalom: Supporting Jewish Clients and Social Work Colleagues

Jews comprise a high percentage of social workers, and Jewish social work leaders have made formative contributions across social work practice domains. Moreover, Jewish clients often have unique needs. Yet rarely are social workers trained to understand the Jewish histories of our profession or to offer culturally-competent care to clients and coworkers who are within the "big tent" of contemporary Jewish life. This presentation will provide clinical case examples to highlight the importance of listening with humility to Jewish voices, particularly in light of domestic and global stressors impacting the diverse lived experiences of American Jews, Jewish families, and Jewish communities. We will also explore how creative engagement with Jewish ethics can enliven social work practice, as Jewish civilization has animated an evolving wisdom tradition from which all social workers may find inspiration.