Pittsburgh Divorce First Responder Training

Event Overview: Divorce First Responder Training

Be the steady presence people in your community need in times of crisis.Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional, spiritual, and social rupture. For those going through it, it can feel like a free fall: confusing, shame-filled, and deeply isolating. Most people don't begin with a therapist or attorney. They turn first to the people they already trust—clergy, school counselors, friends, and community leaders.

This training equips you to be a Divorce First Responder—the first compassionate, stabilizing and resourceful voice they hear.

What is a Divorce First Responder?A Divorce First Responder is a trusted individual who is the first point of contact for people in distress. When it comes to divorce, these are rabbis, clergy, lawyers, mental health professionals and community leaders.

Why is this training necessary?Most people facing divorce don't know where to go. They often suffer in silence, unsure who is safe to talk to or how to begin piecing their lives back together. Without having support from within the community, many people end up feeling alone, isolated and end up leaving the community. This training addresses a critical gap—offering you, as community leaders, practical skills to provide supportive, stabilizing, and ethical guidance during a deeply vulnerable time.

Our holistic approachThis training acknowledges that healing is not linear and cannot come from one discipline alone. It offers a whole-person, whole-system framework—integrating legal awareness, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed support, spiritual sensitivity, and communication tools. We draw from psychology, conflict resolution, pastoral care, and community-building practices and believe in a team-based approach to divorce. Whether you are a rabbi or a Jewish community leader who can learn more about divorce support or a legal or mental health professional who can learn more about the nuances of divorce within a Jewish community, we can all come together to learn, teach and brainstorm.

We believe in bringing together professionals across disciplines. You may be a rabbi helping a congregant, a therapist supporting a family, a lawyer encountering heightened emotion, or a teacher noticing a child caught in the middle—whatever your role, we need to learn how to work together, in support of an individual or family in crisis, to bring dignity, clarity, and effective guidance to this process.

In this interactive training, you will learn:🛠️ Practical Tools & SkillsLearn how to respond effectively when someone confides in you about divorce. Gain simple, adaptable tools to offer support, de-escalate conflict, and maintain healthy boundaries—all within your role.

✡️ Jewish-Informed SensitivityUnderstand how Jewish values, traditions, and communal dynamics shape the divorce experience. Learn how to support individuals navigating both emotional pain and religious concerns with sensitivity and respect.

💬 Confidence in Your Crucial RoleFeel clear about what’s expected of you—and what’s not. Walk away with the confidence to show up with presence, compassion, and purpose without needing to "fix" the situation.

🗣️ Language for InclusionDiscover inclusive, affirming language that supports diverse individuals and family structures. Learn to speak in ways that reduce shame and foster connection.

🤝 Community ConnectionJoin a network of like-minded professionals who care deeply about showing up for others in crisis. Build relationships, share insights, and reduce the isolation of doing this work alone.

📚 Support & ResourcesReceive a curated guide of helpful resources, referrals, and templates. Stay connected with optional follow-up opportunities and continued support.

Info: Group 1: Nuances of a Jewish Divorce; Group 2: Understanding the Child's Perspective

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Sheva Ganz & Ezra Weinberg