A Jerusalem Dati Leumi Synagogue Addressing Congregant Well-Being during COVID-19

During the COVD-19 period physical gatherings in religious congregations have been restricted or even forbidden for certain periods. These limitations presented many challenges for congregations interested in maintaining a sense of community and serving as a resource for congregants; this at a time when congregants may potentially have increased need for community because of direct and indirect stresses related to the coronavirus, with concomitant effects on mental health in addition to physical health. Through efforts initiated by its leadership, and use of volunteers from the congregation, a diverse Jerusalem Dati Leumi (Modern Orthodox) synagogue of about 150 families attempted to serve its congregants and maintain community despite the COVID-19 restrictions.

This study examined: What factors impact synagogue congregants’ mental well-being during the Coronavirus period and how do they cope with stressors? To what extent can the synagogue meet congregants’ needs in terms of mental health and well-being? Do needs vary by key demographic categories?

A survey of congregant members during the first wave in Israel in May 2020 was performed, which included 51 responses, as well as a content analysis of communications, found that an important minority of members were experiencing mental health issues, especially less acculturated olim/immigrants. Many members indicated that community was important to them About a quarter of the members indicated that regular check-ins from the synagogue were important, but not all were not receiving enough of them. We conclude that religious identification can bring with it both a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself, as well as association with a formal organization. The belonging does not, necessarily, require physical interactions among group members and may also go beyond purely religious activities, including those related to congregant well-being. This need may be even more important during the COVIID-19 period.