Sarah speaks to her friend Shaina - one of nine siblings, who was born and raised in the Chabad Chassidic Orthodox Jewish world of Brooklyn, New York. Shaina educates Sarah about what it was like for her growing up Orthodox and shares about some of the history and practices of the Chabad Chassidic community. Shaina shares her experience with sex education (or lack thereof), religion, and ultimately her journey with self and belief.
Shaina is a licensed social worker in New York State and California. Today, Shaina is a practicing San Francisco and Oakland therapist who works with couples, adults, teenagers, and children. In her work, Shaina is most passionate about educating, and empowering teenagers and children about all things related to body safety and healthy sexuality. In her spare time Shaina can be found singing to Chassidic music, swimming, dreaming of her nieces and nephews, or playing with her puppy, Sivan. Shaina currently resides in San Francisco with her partner.
Resources: Footsteps, https://footstepsorg.org/
Footsteps is the only organization in the United States providing comprehensive services to people who have chosen to leave their ultra-Orthodox communities and begin new lives. Based in New York, Footsteps provides a range of services, including social and emotional support, educational and career guidance, workshops and social activities, and access to resources. Thanks to Footsteps, former ultra-Orthodox Jews have a safe, supportive, and flourishing community to turn to as they work to define their own identities, build new connections, and lead productive lives on their own terms.
Find me at @psychandthecitybk on instagram; Twitter: @psychndthecity