The Jewish Divorce Project - Episode 6: "Eww! You're divorced!?" - Stigmas from Within and Without.

Probably one of the better episodes we've recorded. This time we discuss where these feelings of "otherness" come from. Do the stigmas we feel in divorce come from our own beliefs about marriage and judgements about divorce? Or is there something real in the way the community responds to divorce that makes those going through it feel at a distance?

Divorce is isolating as it is. And sometimes that's wanted as a way to cope with the transition. But if one doesn't want a divorce that transition can be scary because of the loneliness. Consider then that stigmas can make those going through divorce even more isolated. Now they are not only divorced, but ugly in some way.

Jewish professionals would do well to consider what type of training they have working with divorce in family life, and how their communities respond to divorce spiritually and programmatically. 

What would our communities be like if we provided space to mourn or celebrate divorce? How can Jewish professionals proactively respond to divorce in their communities that prevent marginalization and shame?