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November 14, 2003/Cheshvan 19 5764, Vol. 56, No. 8
Support group starts for unemployed
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
Recent economic fluctuations have taken their toll on the job market - hitting some professionals where it hurts. And as unemployment rates continue to hover around 6 percent in Arizona, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, white-collar workers are seeking help from their communities.
The Shalom Center at Temple Chai is one organization that has risen to the occasion. Last month, the center held the first meeting of "Job Transitions Networking and Support in the Changing Workplace" for those who have recently become unemployed, workers seeking to re-enter the job market after a substantial amount of time off, or those looking to make a career change.
The group was formed when two Temple Chai members individually approached Sharona Silverman, director of the Shalom Center, with the idea to offer the group.
The first, Lee Eisinberg, associate vice president and financial consultant for RBC Dain Rauscher, has given presentations to similar groups throughout the Valley. Eisinberg's experience at the employment ministry of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Mesa planted the idea to offer a similar group to the Jewish community.
"St. Timothy has a weekly meeting, and 30 to 40 people show up each week," he says. "I shared with Sharona what I saw other groups doing. This is something good for the Jewish community to have."
Dale Kalika, associate faculty member at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and owner of consulting firm Marketography, also felt that the Jewish community would benefit from a support group.
"(Lee) and I approached Sharona from a similar perspective," says Kalika. "We felt there was a need in the Jewish community for a support group for people in job transition."
So far, the group has had two meetings and a handful of participants, according to Eisinberg. The group's introductory meeting, held Oct. 21, featured Rabbi William Berk, Silverman, Eisinberg and Kalika. The second meeting focused on the topic "Changing Careers and Being Successful at the Toughest Job Search," with George Fleming, on Nov. 4. Topics at upcoming meetings include "How to Write an Effective Resume," "Successful Networking" and "Stress Reduction Techniques in Tough Times."
Eisinberg also hopes the group will offer spiritual guidance to help participants deal with all levels of unemployment.
"One of the synagogue's rabbis will be on hand at each meeting to kick it off and give some thoughts," he says.
"We really want to help people go through the career search process in a supportive and healing way," Kalika adds. "I hope they will see the process as being one where they can learn about themselves and learn what they want to do in life, versus a stressful, difficult, frustrating process."
Eisinberg also sets up the meetings to be interactive and encourages networking with other group members.
"When you leave, you have everyone's names, e-mails and phone numbers," he says. "The most effective way to find a job is by networking."
The group is also completely confidential, Eisin-berg explains.
"One of the issues ... is that people may not come because they are ashamed or embarrassed because they are unemployed," he says. "We're hoping there is no stigma attached to this. Whoever shows up at the meeting, it's confidential they are there."
The group is open to all community members, regardless of affiliation, age or career. Meetings are held 9:30-11 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month, at the Shalom Center at Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix.
"We're trying to keep it upbeat and motivational," says Eisinberg. "The message we want to get out is that we want to make the greater Jewish community aware that this group is here, it's new, and anyone can come to it. We want to offer some help and support in times when people need it."
Call 602-971-1234.
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