Amid the global coronavirus pandemic and the corresponding mental-health crisis it has exacerbated, Jewish communities around the world are joining an effort to raise mental health and disability inclusion awareness by participating in the global ShabbaTTogether initiative this coming Friday and Shabbat, Feb. 12-13. The weekend will include a series of local coronavirus-safe classes, gatherings and initiatives, many of which will be streamed live on social media before and after Shabbat to enable safe participation.

ShabbaTTogether is the global Shabbat of disability inclusion and mental-health awareness sponsored by the Ruderman Chabad Inclusion Initiative.

The organization draws inspiration from the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—who taught that every individual who fulfills his or her obligations to the extent of their G‑d-given capacities, whatever they may be, shares in the totality of the effort and accomplishment of the entire Jewish people.

Along with local ShabbaTTogether programs, Chabad centers will be joining a live-streamed class on the topic of mental health awareness with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a professor at Harvard and Tel Aviv universities and an expert on positive psychology; and Rabbi Shais Taub, a renowned lecturer and author on addictions and mental health.

For more information or to join ShabbaTTogether, contact your local Chabad center.