With many Jewish University of Kansas students far from home, KU Chabad can serve as a support system during times of crisis. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive support, KU Chabad Directors Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel have spearheaded a campaign to promote mental health awareness and combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dubbed “ReJOYvination 360,” this holistic initiative aims to equip students with the resources, support and skills necessary for achieving mental wellness.
As part of this initiative, KU Chabad hosts monthly interactive workshops where students can glean insights from professionals and support one another on their journey toward better health and wellness.
In a recent workshop held in March, students had the opportunity to engage with Miriam Kaseff, an integrative nutrition health coach who runs welllifewithmiriam.com, during an event titled “Let’s Taco About Wellness.” The session featured a kosher taco bar and workshop exploring strategies for achieving a balanced, healthy lifestyle while navigating the rigors of college. The event, organized by student interns known as “Ambassadors of Strength,” aimed to provide peer support and promote mental health and wellness.
“Wellness night was absolutely amazing,” said Ellie Segal, a KU senior and Ambassador of Strength. “Miriam facilitated an engaging and meaningful conversation among all students, covering various aspects of wellness relevant to college life, from sleep habits to stress management. It was empowering, and I believe every student took away something valuable to incorporate into their daily routine.”
Paige Harris, a junior at KU, said, “the wellness event with Mrs. Miriam Kaseff was very insightful and allowed me to find more productive ways to help manage my stress.”
For nearly two decades, Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel of KU Chabad have worked to provide a welcoming environment and services at KU Chabad. However, as the campus landscape evolves, so do the challenges faced by incoming students.
“Our recent incoming students encounter different stressors compared to their predecessors,” said Nechama Tiechtel. “We are noticing a significant increase in stress levels among this generation, whether it’s due to social, familial or academic pressures. Recognizing these evolving needs has become imperative for us.”
“Jewish college students are under so much pressure and stress right now, which can impact their health,” Kaseff said. “It’s important for them to learn ways to deal with these issues and be well equipped to deal with them in healthy ways. Their openness and vulnerability about topics like stress, sleep issues and ways to eat healthy made the evening a pleasure for me.”
Earlier in the semester, a program titled “Strength Through Sharing” encouraged students to participate in facilitated discussions on the power of mutual support during challenging times. Led by Melissa Hoffman, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, the session aimed to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and foster a supportive community.
Hoffman shared that “unfortunately, stigma remains a barrier to engaging in mental health services and treatment. I applaud the efforts of KU Chabad in recognizing the need to decrease stigma related to mental illness. By encouraging discussion about mental health and increasing mental health education at this pivotal time in their young lives, Chabad is undoubtedly improving the wellbeing of students and impacting their future success.”
In addition to these workshops, Chabad’s 24-hour text line, “Joel’s Help Line,” serves as a lifeline for students seeking assistance and support.
“Our goal is to support our students not only physically but also emotionally and mentally,” Nechama Tiechtel said. “Repeatedly witnessing the struggles students face underscores the importance of addressing mental health proactively.”
This event reflects KU Chabad’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health among college students, with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and the Jewish Community Foundation’s Legacy Fund.