Shana Prohofsky

Hello, I am Shana Prohofsky, and I am the new Temple Sinai Kesher social worker. For those of you who I have not yet met, or who are not familiar with the program, Kesher is the congregational outreach program of Jewish Collaborative Services. It is funded by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and private donors. Kesher is currently active at Temple Torat Yisrael, Congregation Beth Sholom, Temple Emanu-El, and of course here at Temple Sinai. I also serve as the Kesher social worker at Temple Torat Yisrael.

The Kesher program provides a synagogue-based social worker to assist members of the congregation during periods of life transitions and struggle. Kesher also serves as a gateway to additional supportive services provided within both the Jewish and broader communities. As the Kesher social worker for Temple Sinai, I am available to meet with congregants, families, and individuals for consultation, resource guidance, referrals for counseling, and just to talk. These services are all provided free of charge to congregants and on a confidential basis. Sometimes, having an intermediary advocate on your behalf can help support a personal dignity while providing privacy and anonymity around sensitive issues.

​Additionally, Kesher helps organize and set up programming on topics of family life, as well as social concerns. Examples of past programming by other Kesher workers include: Wise Aging discussion group, Matter of Balance, Managing Daily Stress, Internet Safety, Grief Support Group, Scam Awareness for Seniors, a panel discussion to support Future Planning for Primary Caregivers of Individuals with Special Needs, a viewing of the documentary Screenagers followed by a Q&A, and more.

Currently, I am exploring interest in the following programs:

1. Caring Connections: exploring how to offer practical, as well as emotional support in times of illness, grief, and/or loss.

2. Finding the Balance: including Jewish customs and practice into daily life; and finding the right balance for your family.

If any of these topics are of interest, please let me know. I am also happy to develop a new program on a particular subject of interest.

If you would like to learn more, receive services, or suggest program ideas, please call me on my work cell phone at 401-428-4084 or email me at shana@jfsri.org.

I look forward to meeting many of you and supporting you on your personal life journeys.

​Shana Prohofsky
Jewish Collaborative Services
401-428-4084 (work cell)
shana@jfsri.org