Luke Sklar was a much-loved member of our Holy Blossom community, whose openness with his depression, and determination to bring greater awareness, has inspired The Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative. Our goal is to provide education, support, and resources related to the challenges of mental health.
The Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative at Holy Blossom Temple
How do you describe the uniqueness … the specialness … the Luke Sklar-ness of Luke Sklar? He was a man who radiated – absolutely radiated – passion, intelligence, creativity, humour, heart and generosity of spirit. A loving family man and a true leader in business and the community, Luke listened deeply, advised selflessly and sparked so many essential conversations. Luke’s care and strategic guidance helped to build a better Holy Blossom Temple and enriched our congregation immeasurably. He was an absolute mensch.
After a 3-year battle with severe depression, Luke died by suicide in May 2018. As his illness progressed, he and his family opened up about his struggle and were overwhelmed by the positive response from those who had dealt with mental illness but had never felt comfortable talking about it. Following his tragic death, his family felt it important to keep the talk going.
In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences mental illness. This can interfere with some to all aspects of everyday life and have an impact on families, friends and co-workers.
In 2018, and endorsed by the Holy Blossom Temple Board, a group of temple members, Rabbis and professional staff met to establish the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative as a tribute to this much-loved member of our community. Its mission is to provide education, support and resources related to the challenges of living with or supporting someone with, a mental illness. We believe that by talking about and supporting mental health, this initiative will work toward ending the stigma around mental illness and encourage others to seek help.
Our vision for this initiative is to offer talks by mental health professionals, create small support groups, and provide a listing of resources for those in crisis. To date, we have held talks by both experts and those with lived experience, about depression, anxiety, addiction, dementia, and resilience. And more are planned. We are privileged to partner with JF&CS (Jewish Family and Child Services) to provide education and workshops on mental health awareness and support, as well as crisis training for key laypeople and clergy. We are also fortunate to draw upon the professional expertise of some Temple members for mental health programs. A partnership is also in development with JACS Toronto, Jewish Addictions Community Services.
In addition to this, our congregants have long found meaning and spiritual care through our Daily and Shabbat worship services, as well as through many opportunities for community involvement – central to our Holy Blossom Department of Kehillah Kedoshah, where congregants help congregants.
The success of this initiative depends on volunteers in our community to help with events, share knowledge and experience in mental health support, and offer financial support toward the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative Fund. It is our hope that this important initiative in the memory of Luke only adds further strength to our promise that “Life can blossom here.”
For more information about, or to volunteer with, the Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative, please contact Rabbi Eliza McCarroll [email protected]
