Enhancing Resilience in Jewish-American Children and Teens
摘要
Resilience is a dynamic process shaped by individuals, cultures, and systems, with the child nested at the center. This chapter examines resilience in Jewish youth across multiple levels (individual, family, school, community, and culture). To enhance interventions and support this population, we must identify resilience factors within diverse Jewish backgrounds. First, we explain the theoretical framework of resilience and its application within Jewish historical narratives, focusing on biblical themes related to cultural memory and Jewish identity. We explore Jewish traditions in resilience, emphasizing their role in character development. Recognizing cultural diversity within Judaism, we discuss how variations in religious experiences influence resilience processes. We then examine resilience-promoting factors: protective orientation, self-regulation, proactive parenting, social connections, academics, and community engagement. Strategies for fostering resilience in Jewish youth are explored, with attention to individuals, parents, and schools. Finally, we underscore the necessity of systemic support and improved access to culturally competent mental health interventions for Jewish youth. Communal structures are important in promoting mental health and resource access. We describe two case studies of resilience-building community organizations, focusing on the idea that to effectively support Jewish youth, we must expand access to tailored interventions that align with cultural and religious contexts.