For Immediate Release contact: Bruce Berkowitz
2/29/24 707-529-1999

“The Healing Power of Forgiveness: Releasing Shame and Finding Inner Peace”
Sunday February 25th at 3pm Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa

“In Jewish tradition, there is no such thing as perpetual punishment or permanent exile. As a people, we believe in the power and practice of teshuvah; the ability for each one of us to repent, atone, and return with a ‘clean slate.”

Dont miss this rare opportunity to hear from two incredible women who were impacted by violent crime in their past and their brave journey through shame and healing. Joining them will be four formerly incarcerated men who were convicted and served long sentences for their crimes. You will experience how they were reformed and redeemed and how both victim and perpetrator can find forgiveness and peace.

The presenters include Melissa Caseri whose father was a victim of violence when she was seven. By embracing forgiveness, she liberated herself from years of anger, shame, and pain.

Marylyn Tesconi is a survivor of a sex crime committed over fifty years ago. She has shared her story both in and outside of prisons.

Anthony Ammons Jr. went to prison at age 16 to serve a life sentence. Since his release he has been a major contributor to the re-entry community and prison reform movement.

Miguel Quezada is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Mend Collective. Through his experience of two decades of incarceration, he is dedicated to healing cycles of violence through dialogue.

Rafael Cuevas, while serving a life sentence for murder sought out a path towards redemption. Since his release he works directly with incarcerated individuals and survivors of crime.

Damon Cooke was sentenced to life and his experience seeing the same men return to prison encouraged him to develop the Uncuffed Project to help break the recidivism cycle.
Through both presentations and small group work, participants will have the opportunity to both learn from and engage with the presenters on the challenge of deep forgiveness and acceptance.

You must pre-register for this very special event which is in person, but also available on Zoom. Please register by clicking the link below:

There is no charge for the program but donations are gratefully accepted to support the Shomrei Torah Social Action Committee. Your donations help us to continue to be able to present this kind of educational programming.

For more information or to register by phone call (707-578-5519) or go to our website: