The ZA’AKAH Shabbos & Yom Tov Peer Support Warmline
To reach the warmline call 1-888-4-ZAAkah (492-2524)
We are also available to chat on whatsapp at 888-492-2524
In April of 2020 as we were in the midst of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, the specter of the impending three-day Yom Tov of Pesach loomed large for many people who already suffering from isolation. ZA’AKAH responded by advocating for community rabbis and rabbinical organizations to issue rulings allowing the use of electronic communication for those who experienced distress resulting from isolation over the three-day Yom Tov. Once those rulings were issued, ZA’AKAH worked to publicize the rulings as widely as possible, and also established a warmline for those who needed to reach out but didn’t have anyone they knew they could call on Shabbos or Yom Tov.
Over Pesach and the subsequent Yomim Tovim we ran the warmline it became clear that the need wasn’t just because of the isolation caused by COVID-19, rather that there was always a need for there to be people available by phone to those in distress on Shabbos or Yom Tov. That’s why ZA’AKAH established a regular Shabbos and Yom Tov Peer Support Warmline staffed by a rotation of volunteers available at all hours of Shabbos and Yom Tov to provide support to those who feel they need it.
We pledge to provide confidential peer support to anyone who reaches out regardless of their denomination, sex, gender, or orientation.
Please note: We will not be an emergency or crisis line. We are strictly for peer support. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, or text Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
