Lay leaders and active community members often serve as the informal backbone of Jewish communal life—board members, volunteers, committee chairs, minyan regulars, and the people others naturally turn to in moments of crisis. Because they are deeply embedded in relationships, they are frequently the first to hear that someone is getting divorced. Yet without training, many feel unsure how to respond: they don’t want to say the wrong thing, take sides, escalate conflict, or violate boundaries. As a result, they may pull back, leaving individuals feeling even more alone and stigmatized. Nuanced training helps lay leaders understand the emotional and communal dynamics of divorce, recognize trauma responses, and offer steady, compassionate support without becoming entangled in the conflict. It also equips them to model healthy communal norms, reduce gossip, and direct people toward appropriate professional resources. When community members are empowered with the right tools, they become a crucial part of the support network—helping ensure that no one has to navigate divorce in isolation and strengthening the overall wellbeing of the community.