One Year Later, Talking to Your Child About the World Today

Join JFamily for a special conversation featuring curated panelists Rebecca
Starr, Leah Blatnikoff and Brooke Bendix about talking to young children about
Jewish identity, Israel, and current events. We aim to help parents navigate
these conversations with their kids, and we are privileged to address this
topic and create a space for learning.
Light refreshments will be served; a short introduction will start the
program, followed by a pre-approved Q&A with the panelists and resources for
parents to reference going forward.
This evening is geared toward parents of children ages 10 and under.

Speaker Bios:
**Rebecca Starr** is the Vice President of Educational Operations and
Regional Strategy for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she
leads the design and implementation process for educational initiatives and
guides the regional hubs across the US and Canada. She lives in Southfield,
Michigan and works closely with local partners and institutions throughout
southeast Michigan.
Rebecca is a respected educator and community organizer. She served as an
assistant director at Federation’s Alliance for Jewish education and directed
and was an instructor at the award-winning Detroit branch of the Florence
Melton Adult Mini-School. Rebecca also worked for the National Ramah
Commission and Camp Ramah in Canada and expanded educational and outreach
initiatives.
Raised on a sheep farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Rebecca is a proud
product of the University of Michigan where she earned undergraduate degrees
in education and Judaic studies as well as a master’s degree in social work
and a certificate in Jewish communal service.
She is married to Rabbi Aaron Starr, and they are the proud parents of two
sons, who are graduates of Hillel Day School and current students at the
Frankel Jewish Academy.

**Leah Blatnikoff LMSW** _Psychotherapist, Therapyology_
Hello! I’m Leah. Oftentimes kids and teens’ feelings are invalidated or told
that what they are experiencing is “not a big deal.” That can be very
frustrating, especially as a teen! My goal as a clinical social worker is to
help people, no matter their age, work through their trauma, anxieties, and
life struggles. I understand how trauma and life experiences can shape a child
or teen’s life which is why I am so passionate about helping youth through
these vulnerable years. Growing up with constant access to tech and social
media, especially during unprecedented times, is very tough! I want to support
you through it all.

**Co-hosted by:** Therapyology and Shalom Hartman Institute of North America

_If you or any family member need accommodations in order to successfully
participate in the program, please reach out to our team!
_(https://mailto:jfamily@jccdet.org)

Organized by: Shalom Hartman InstituteDetroit, JFamily Detroit

View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/9524