SHALVA

SHALVA is the oldest independent, Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States. Our clients receive free and individualized services for as long as needed.

SHALVA offers confidential domestic abuse counseling services to the metropolitan Chicago Jewish community in a culturally-sensitive and caring environment.

12/14/2025

The the first night of Chanukah should be a joyous occasion. But as we prepare to light the first candle on the menorah, we are grieving instead — for the Jewish community of Sydney, Australia. ✡️

Whether in public or in our home, we should feel safe to express and practice our traditions freely and without fear. 🕊️

12/12/2025

Chanukah, the festival of light, starts Sunday at sundown! ✨

If you are spending time during the holiday of someone who might be in an unhealthy relationship, here are eight tips (one for each night, they shed a sweet light 🕯️) to show that you create awareness and respond effectively (CARE):

1. Be kind
2. Express concern and be specific
3. Ask them what they think
4. Affirm their feelings
5. Offer moral support
6. Offer practical resources
7. Make a plan for safety
8. Respect their choices

You can make a positive difference by providing validation and support. 💜

Happy Chanukah 🕎

12/10/2025

Earlier this year we held an event (Do No Harm) for Jewish professionals in the Chicagoland area that work with adults in their 20s and 30s. The goal was to educate and empower them to identify and respond to domestic abuse.

If you didn’t have a chance to attend, or have more questions for us, we’re making that more accessible.

Introducing SHALVA’s (virtual) office hours, with our fabulous therapist, Zoe Friedland! 🗄️

Join us for our first session on Tuesday, January 13, from 12:00–1:00 PM.

Save the date and send us a DM for more info. 💌

12/05/2025

To kick off the Hanukkah holiday, you’re invited to a free (donation-based) Hatha Yoga class in Northbrook.

The format will be slow-paced and relaxed, and is open to all levels of yoga experience.

All proceeds raised from this class will be donated to SHALVA. 💜

Sunday, December 7
5:30 – 6:30 PM
📍Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook

11/27/2025

At SHALVA and Seven Circles, we are grateful for all of you💜

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday, and we will resume normal business hours on Monday.

11/26/2025

Thank you to The Bonobo Sisterhood + Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP! 💜

11/20/2025

We are grateful that SHALVA was chosen as the organization to receive the funds from this donation-based class: https://shorturl.at/tDk5p

Thank you to Corepower Yoga for hosting, and for helping us spread the word about SHALVA in the community!

11/19/2025

November is in full swing, and the end of the year is (somehow) around the corner!
This month, we’re taking the opportunity to pause and reflect on gratitude.

We have so much to be thankful for at SHALVA! To name a few: our therapists, our community education team, and our volunteers.

We polled some of our staff and asked, “what gives you hope?” Swipe to see a sampling of the responses.

In 2026, we will continue to work towards our goal of breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. We envision a community where everyone feels safe and respected in their home or relationship.

SHALVA depends on the generosity of our community in order to provide clinical services at no cost to our clients (for as long as needed), and to support our free outreach and education programs.

When you make a contribution to SHALVA, you are providing life-changing support to survivors of domestic abuse.

All new and increased gifts will be matched by an anonymous donor. https://tr.ee/G072tW

11/07/2025

Rebecca Melzer, the Founding Member of Berlin Melzer Law LLC, is also a member of SHALVA’s Board of Directors.

She was recently appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County Committee on Domestic Violence Court by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.🧑‍⚖️

Judges in the Domestic Violence Division hear matters such as civil orders of protection, aggravated stalking, and civil or stalking no-contact orders. Rebecca and the other members of the committee contribute to improvements in the policies and operations of this branch of the judicial system.

We’re extremely grateful for the efforts of Rebecca and all of our amazing board members for advancing SHALVA’s vision – everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their home or relationship. 💜

11/05/2025

Gaslighting – manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity – a common tactic seen in abusive relationships.

Where did this term come from? A famous 1939 play and 1944 film!

For one night only, SHALVA supporters will receive a 20% discount on tickets to the live theatre performance of Gaslight.

This turn-of-the-century Victorian mystery has an indistinguishable tangle of truth and manipulation, where certainty is uncertain for characters and audience alike.

Don’t get up to leave once the final curtain falls – a special post-show discussion featuring SHALVA will be held directly after this performance. Use code “SHALVA” at checkout to get a 20% discount for the Tuesday, December 2 performance.

This code can be used for:
• buying tickets online or
• in-person or over the phone at the box office

Discount applies to the December 2 performance only.

https://tr.ee/j3qFcn

Address

Chicago, IL

Telephone

+17735834673

Website

http://shalvacares.org/

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