As part of its “ReJOYvination 360” mental health initiative, KU Chabad held a day-long mental health retreat for students.
The second annual “Mental Health & Wellbeing Retreat” saw 40 students join a full-day retreat at the Circle S Ranch outside of Lawrence.
“ReJOYvination 360” is KU Chabad’s multifaceted and broad initiative aiming to create a full spectrum of emotional support for Jewish students at KU. With the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and generous donors, this program has grown, offering a variety of safety net support services and programs catering to the needs of the students. A recent addition has been the 24-hour texting helpline, called “Joel’s Help Line,” where students can text things like “food,” “scared,” or “lonely” and receive the help they need.
According to Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad, the initiative is in response to the depression and anxiety caused by emotional challenges of distance from home, heavy workloads, financial pressure, cyberbullying and remaining effects of the COVID-19 era.
“So many students today feel lost and alone,” Rabbi Tiechtel said. “We feel fortunate to be able to help them tread the murky waters of stressful college life and show that they have someone to support them.”
The venue for the retreat, Circle S Ranch, offered activities for stress relief and relaxation such as wagon rides, ATV trails, horse grooming, canvas painting, nature walks, and a relaxation lounge.
“It was really great to just disconnect from college and come up here to be one with nature,” said Daniel Israeli, a KU freshman.
“I was able to relax with nature and have a much needed break from real life and stress,” said sophomore Zach Brown.
The students also participated in mental health workshops led by Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel and Charles Goldberg, LPC, NCC, CAADC, a clinical psychotherapist specializing in mental health and addictions who is also a proud KU Chabad Alumni. The workshops covered topics ranging from stress management tips to a candid conversation about body image and self-perception. There was a panel discussion about finding and maintaining healthy relationships and a facilitated nature walk about emotional wellness. Students explored the kabbalistic approach to serenity, gaining insights into mystical Jewish meditation.
New this year was a special track for the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPI), a Jewish fraternity on campus, that focused on brotherhood and exploring tools to deal with the unique challenges that being part of a fraternity can lead to.
“All of the brothers who joined had a wonderful time and gained so much from the open and engaging conversations,” said Logan Rosengard, the current president of AEPI. “It was special to get away from the buzz of campus and focus inwards with each other.”
“I enjoyed being with my peers in a relaxed setting,” said KU senior Molly Ellner. “I learned about tools and resources to deal with the daily stressors that can sometimes bog us down. This day away from it all will carry me on for a while.”
The mental health retreat is another step in Chabad of KU’s ongoing efforts to provide support and an embracing community for every single student at KU.
“As Jewish leaders on campus, we are the on-the-ground first responders,” said Nechama Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad. “We cannot rest until we ensure that every single student knows that they are not alone and there is someone who truly cares about them and their wellbeing.”
