Special event for Suicide Prevention Month

Ezra, May His Memory Be for a Blessing

Name: Ezra, May His Memory Be for a Blessing
Start: 2025-09-09
End: 2025-09-09
Location: Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin

Ezra’s story is unique. Teenage suicide isn’t. Ezra was a gifted artist whose passions and voice are imprinted in his drawings, collages, paintings, musical compositions, and journals. As we unravel the story of Ezra’s life and death, we gain a heartfelt, personal, no-holds-barred insight into teenage suicide and surviving its aftermath. This moving and impactful story is intended for mental health education and awareness and the host of issues associated with teenage suicide, including the incomparable challenges facing those who are left behind.

WHY WE LIKE THIS FILM: We are honored to partner with Jewish Family Service on this special event for Suicide Prevention Month. This compelling documentary features Ezra’s own art and music as well as deeply personal interviews with Ezra’s family, friends, and teachers. Our program features an AJFF interview with Ezra’s mother, Shanee Epstein. The screening will be following by a panel discussion of mental health experts. Please join us for this important program, and help destigmatize the discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.

Post Film Panelists

Greg Goodman is the founder of the Meadow E. Goodman Foundation and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. After the tragic loss of his daughter Meadow to suicide in 2023, Greg and his family established the foundation in her name to support youth mental health, suicide prevention, and access to care for teens, LGBTQIA+ youth, musicians, and their families.

As Vice President of The Goodman Corporation (TGC), Greg also has over 20 years of experience leading infrastructure planning, grant strategy, and construction administration. He has successfully secured significant state and federal funding to help communities across Texas implement critical public projects. Additionally, Greg is the CEO and Owner of KTonic LLC, a manufacturer of functional beverages. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University and remains deeply committed to building stronger, healthier communities through service and innovation.

Rabbi Amy Cohen, MSWis the first Community Chaplain at Shalom Austin JFS. Rabbi Cohen provides pastoral care to community members navigating challenging life transitions, including grief and loss. She collaborates with the JFS clinical team to provide holistic care to clients seeking spiritual support and communicates with local clergy about their congregants in healthcare facilities. Rabbi Cohen also teaches adults at Shalom Austin with a focus on Jewish mindfulness practices.

Prior to becoming a community chaplain, Cohen served as the Chief Social Services officer at JFS and Shalom Austin from 2020 to 2025, and she also served as the Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom from 2012 to 2020. Rabbi Cohen feels grateful to have served the Austin Jewish community in various roles and to have grown professionally within our vibrant community. Cohen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work, with a double major in Jewish history and civilization, and a Master of Arts degree in social work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Religious Education and a Master in Hebrew Letters degree from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. She completed her ordination as a rabbi at HUC-JIR in New York. Cohen is working towards board certification as a chaplain through Ascension Seton Medical Center.

Amanda Mills, LCSW-S is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-S) and serves as the Clinical Director at Jewish Family Service (JFS). She provides therapy to individuals across the lifespan, addressing a variety of mental health and social issues, including suicide. She also has lived experience with suicide loss. She approaches therapeutic healing and growth from a culturally-informed, justice-minded perspective, and believes that no one should have to suffer alone.

A born and raised Texan, Amanda received her bachelor’s degree from Rice University and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been with JFS since May of 2021.