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From Darkness To Light

“Makom made me realize that life is worth fighting for! It was a light in the deep darkness.” -Makom member

The tagline for Makom is “From Darkness To Light,” which is a reference to “Acheinu Kol Beis Yisrael,” a song about Jews who are in trouble, trapped, and drowning and need our help. The name of God which is invoked in the song is “HaMakom,” – the Omnipresent.

Makom takes our members from the darkness of their lived Jewish experiences and helps them connect to a supportive community of peers. At Makom our members can find a Judaism and Jewish communities full of light and positivity by separating dysfunction and toxic people from religion and the Orthodox community.

What is Makom

What is Makom

Launched in 2014 as a result of the positive impact of Keter, which led ex-hasidic Jews to approach JITC and ask for guidance, Makom helps disenfranchised Haredi Jews find a positive place in Orthodoxy. Social events, educational classes, Shabbos placement, Shabbatons, and one-on-one encouragement is offered to those seeking support. We call this moving from darkness to light and allows JITC to move from discussing the conflicts within parts of the Orthodox Jewish community to finding solutions for them. Through hundreds of events and classes, we have been able to transform the lives of countless Makom members in a positive way. This would not be possible without the positive impact of Keter and Tikun branches of JITC.

Why Makom is Important

Why Makom is Important

  • The only program that rehabilitates and re-educates disenfranchised Haredi Jews to help them find a positive place in Orthodoxy
  • Reframes the OTD/ex-hasidic phenomenon to the world
Makom's Programs

Makom's Programs

  • Social Events
    Makom provides a deep sense of community for those who are feeling isolated and out of step with their families and communities, suffering rejection for their differing views or lifestyle changes. Makom allows these individuals to interact and form friendships with others facing similar challenges. Makom runs monthly events, both in person and on zoom, where individuals can feel a sense of community and inclusion.
  • Judaic Classes
    Makom’s classes offer insight into different areas of Jewish law and philosophy. Past classes have included: The Halachic Process, the Existence of God, A Rational Approach to Reading Torah, and Science and Torah.
  • Career & Higher Education Based Events
    Makom makes referrals to GED and education training programs, ESL programs, and career counselors and offers classes on conducting a job search, on financial management, and college preparation.
  • Shabbos Placement
    Makom sets up members with host families throughout the tri-state area for Shabbos and the Jewish holidays, where members can experience warm and inviting homes, with accepting hosts who model happiness, healthiness and love for Judaism.
  • Shabbatons
    Shabbatons allow members to meet new families, new communities, fellow members and be inspired by engaging speakers.
  • Follow-Up
    Makom has multiple staff members who follow-up monthly, checking in to offer support and encouragement.
  • Ask the Scholar
    Makom allows individuals to ask anything they have been too afraid to ask, providing confidential answers from our trusted Rabbis. This allows searching individuals to get answers they need without feeling embarrassed or scared.
  • Referrals to Social Service & Mental Health Organizations
    Makom’s support groups are managed by mental health professionals who are knowledgeable about the difficulties faced by those transitioning out of and into differing kinds of frum communities, and who understand the conflicts that such a transition entails. Makom also has the capacity to refer individuals to private counselors if needed.

Calendar

March 2024

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REDISCOVER: THE GOAL OF MARRIAGE: TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024, 8:15 PM EST
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Esther’s lessons in Resilience : Sunday, March 17, 2024, 8:30 PM EST
5:00 am - 6:00 pm
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REDISCOVER: TZNIUS AND KEDUSHA: TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024, 8:15 PM EST
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Purim Event: Megillah Reading and Purim Party: Sunday, March 24, 2024, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
7:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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REDISCOVER: FORGIVENESS: TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024, 8:15 PM EST
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
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The majority of our Makom members began their journey from darkness to light by first consuming the content of Keter. The feedback from members helps us understand which issues need to be addressed at Tikun. The symbol of Makom is a bird’s eye view of a group hug, but turned sideways, it is also the crown of Keter. What we have learned from Makom members is that the vast majority of them never had secure attachment due to dysfunctional upbringings. In Makom, as symbolized by the group hug, our members can find secure attachment. Additionally, the word Keter not only means “crown,” it also means “surrounding,” perhaps it’s because when a person feels surrounded and protected, he can walk around proudly “wearing” his crown.

 

 

Neither Jew in the City, nor its Makom branch, are a mental health organization.

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