July Newsletter: Untangling Emotions

Hello Friend,

Good afternoon. As the Oct. 27th synagogue shooting trial continues and the scope of testimony broadens, we have seen manifestations of vicarious trauma, fear, and survivors’ guilt continue to emerge in the broader community.

For those who work in Jewish organizations who are experiencing vicarious trauma we will be holding two processing circles on July 14th and July 21st, from 9am-11am. We will discuss our concerns and feelings around the trial and how it has impacted our lives, and we will learn practical tools to help balance our own emotions and minds.

Vicarious trauma occurs when you identify with those who were victimized in some way. Vicarious trauma is often accompanied by questions and confusing emotions: what if this had happened to me? Do I feel safe when others who are similar to me have been endangered? How do I deal with feeling shame about being relieved that I was not attacked myself?

All of these feelings are normal reactions. It is important that we can identify our feelings and accept them for what they are, rather than placing additional judgements on them. Emotions of fear, relief, guilt, or shame are often enmeshed. When these emotions are bound together it can become unhelpful and damaging for the individual who is feeling them and the community they live within. By cultivating insight and self-awareness, we can untangle these emotions and rid them of unnecessary judgements.

For example, feeling fear is a normal and healthy response when learning this kind of difficult information. We can take steps when we feel fear to identify that emotion, recognize that we are experiencing the effects of a communal trauma, and reduce our judgements of ourselves around this feeling.

Fear is normal, but it shouldn’t drive us to the point where we cannot live our lives. Prioritizing what is important to us and learning how to live our lives as safely as possible while maintaining our quality of life is the balance we all have to uphold. This link leads to a video created by Maggie Feinstein and Shawn Brokos (Director of Security at the Jewish Federation) in March 2021. We think it is relevant now as we navigate continuing to live while experiencing feelings of fear and anxiety about the dangers we have heard discussed during this trial.

If you are experiencing the emotional impact of the trial or are looking for support around trauma and mental health, please reach out. You are not alone.

צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף
Justice, justice, shall you pursue.

In Solidarity,

Maggie Feinstein
Director
10.27 Healing Partnership