Trans Foundations: An Introductory Educational Series on Trans Sensitivity for
Professionals, Educators, and Mentors in Orthodox Communities
Overview
In this three-part virtual training, industry experts will provide an introductory educational experience for professionals and lay leaders working within Orthodox communities. A panel of trans individuals will share their experiences in mental health treatment, discussing the help and the harm, as well as their needs and fears. Hear about medical transition and transition-related outcome data.
Register for any session or the full series below
Event Details
Where: This event is virtual and will take place over Zoom
When: This training will be in three parts.
- Monday, Jan 27th, 2025 8:00 PM- 9:30 PM EST
- Monday, February 3rd, 2025 8:00 PM- 9:30 PM EST
- Monday, February 10th, 2025 8:00 PM- 9:30 PM EST
Who it’s for
JQY’s Trans Training is for professionals and lay leaders working in Orthodox communities who have (or are likely to have) contact with trans youth or their families. The training is self-selecting. If you think the training will increase your ability to fill your role in Orthodox communities through a trans-conscious lens, we encourage you to join us! We expect attendees to include teachers, rabbis, therapists, members of shul boards, as well as people in other communal roles.
Learning Objectives
- Increase their understanding of the experiences of trans people,
- Develop introductory-level understanding of medical, surgical, and social transitions, and relevant outcome data
- Reflect on information learned to increase trans-sensitivity when working in Orthodox communities
Register for any session or the full series below
Schedule
Day 1
Monday, 1/27/2025: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Experiences from the Past, Hopes for the Future
- A panel of trans individuals discussing their experiences and perspectives, what hurts, and what helps
- Moderated Q&A
- Post-training discussion with panelists for those interested (9:15 PM- 9:30 PM)
Day 2
Monday, 2/3/2025: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
What’s Happening and How Can I Help? An Introduction to Medical Transition
- Expert endocrinologist, Rebbetzin Jessica Abramowitz, MD, will present on the process of medical transition and outcome data on social, medical, and surgical transitions.
- Moderated Q&A
Day 3
Monday, 2/10/2025: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Conflict and Coexistence: Embracing Orthodoxy While Providing Trans Support
- An interview with Rebbetzin Jessica Abramowitz, MD, on being an Orthodox rebbetzin and gender-affirming physician
- Moderated Q&A
Continuing Education
Option of accruing 1.25 hours of CE credit for social workers licensed in NYS per session.
Pricing
$36 suggested donation per session
$25 processing fee per session for CE’s for NYS Licensed Social Workers (1.25 CEs per session)

Featuring Jessica Abramowitz, MD
Jessica Abramowitz, MD, is an Associate Professor and an attending endocrinologist in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She provides gender-affirming care to patients of trans experience with a focus on those moving from pediatric to adult endocrinology. Dr. Abramowitz has co-authored numerous papers and book chapters on gender-affirming care. In addition to her role as an expert and caring physician, Dr. Abramowitz is also an Orthodox rebbetzin, bringing a truly unique perspective to this training program.
Facilitated by Jeremy Novich, PsyD
Jeremy Novich, Psy.D. is the Clinical Director at JQY, where he oversees the delivery of clinical and support services and provides clinical supervision and consultation to staff. Dr. Novich also leads JQY’s training initiatives. He has provided workshops and lectures to mental health professionals in training, rabbinical students, university staff, and faculty. Dr. Novich has worked on issues impacting LGBTQ individuals as a clinician, researcher, author, and community educator. Dr. Novich provides clinical supervision at Long Island University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

For comments, questions, and media inquiries related to this training, please email training@jqy.org