Bitachon.color

The mission of BITACHON, Temple Beth Ami’s Mental Health Initiative, is to provide a safe and sacred place for congregants and to cultivate community connections that promote mental health awareness. We aspire to:

  • Create a safe and sacred community that fosters trust, comfort, openness, and acceptance.
  • Reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and mental health challenges.
  • Educate our congregation on broad topics of mental health and wellness.
  • Support mental health training for clergy, staff, lay leadership, and synagogue volunteers.

COVID-19 Resources

Bitachon recently hosted an event about mindfulness led by Yael Shy, an acclaimed expert and author. We encourage you to watch and learn from this recorded event. Click here to watch (use Passcode P?qg88.G) 

Clergy Support

One of the most meaningful benefits of your TBA membership is pastoral counseling by our experienced clergy team. Our clergy can provide confidential support to congregants of all ages cope with the impact of COVID, as well as other life challenges, including illness, job loss, grief and mourning, family dynamics, pre-marital counseling, marital counseling, divorce, parenting, mental health, substance abuse, questions of spirituality and belief, infertility,  gender identity, and coming out.

Please call us at (301) 340-6818 to schedule an appointment or use email:

Jewish Social Services

Times are tough, and we have all struggled.

Now more than ever we need to care for our physical, spiritual, and mental health.

DID YOU KNOW… that every member of Temple Beth Ami can access a complimentary hour of counseling with a licensed mental health professional at JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)?

Through this program, JSSA provides consultations related to mental health issues or concerns.You can request a JSSA consult by scheduling a confidential conversation with any member of our clergy team to obtain a voucher. We are here to help. Contact: Rabbi Gary Pokras or Cantor Larry Eschler.

Community Resources

Help is available! Use these resources to find assistance for you, a friend, or a family member. They include national, state, and local resources covering alcohol, drugs and opioids, emotional challenges and distress, family relationships, mental health, and mental illness. In addition to topic-specific information about conditions, these resources can be helpful in understanding matters that can affect individuals, family relationships, parenting, and grand-parenting.

The information and resources provided here are for educational and informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your own medical and mental health providers regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific health needs and concerns.

Upcoming Bitachon Events