Rabbi Lazer Danzinger is a Toronto-based community consultant at Canadian Friends of Hebrew University. Previously, he served as a Chaplain, at the rank of Captain, in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). At this time of unprecedented challenges and heightened anxiety due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lazer is available to our extended CFHU family, to listen and offer emotional support based on his numerous years of training and expertise working with people in difficult times.
Q: How have your previous work experiences helped prepare you for our current reality and to be of assistance to others?
A: For many years, I worked under the auspices of Toronto’s Jewish Family and Child Services organization and as a hospital chaplain in the local region. In addition, JF&CS asked me to provide spiritual support to inmates at five major federal correctional institutions in the Kingston, Ontario region. In this way, much of my experience in working with people, including in the CAF, has been related to situations of crisis.
What are some of the primary responsibilities of an army chaplain?
In the CAF, I had the incredible privilege of helping all military members, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. I provided emotional support and encouragement as well as concrete methods to help people build skills to use when dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict and emotional challenges. Many of these issues were linked to trauma and as such it has similarities to what people may be dealing with now due to the current situation.
We appreciate you are able to offer this complimentary service now to the CFHU community. Can you describe what people can expect?
I’m offering a safe space in which anyone can share personal concerns. It’s an opportunity for people who may be alone in quarantine, social distancing or without an active support network to discuss what’s happening to them emotionally. There may be ways to mitigate their emotional concerns, even when tied to very difficult realities. If someone feels he or she or members of their family might benefit from a friendly ear, they shouldn’t hesitate to reach out and contact me to see how I can help.
How can people contact you?
I can be reached by email at ldanzinger@cfhu.org or by text at 647-550-9983.