Para-Chaplain

A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. —Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

This compassionate philosophy
is the foundation of my work with the Jewish elderly living in senior residential facilities.

As a Para-Chaplain (lay Rabbi), I address the spiritual and religious needs of Jewish seniors and their families by fostering a Jewish connection through: 

  • Leading religious services

  • Facilitating programs with Jewish content 

  • Visiting individual residents

  • Conducting funerals and memorial services

Conducting Religious Services
Families are invited to join residents for services, including:

• Shabbat Services
• High Holiday Services
• Passover Seders

Facilitating Programs of Jewish Content
I have created programs centered around Jewish themes. Some examples include:
• Women of Passover
• Jews in the American Revolution
• Family Trees – Personal Family Stories
• Jewish Humor
• Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Classes  

Visiting with Individual Residents
As I become acquainted with residents, I make individual visits to them in their homes.
If I know a resident is hospitalized or in a rehabilitation facility, I can visit them.

Conducting Funerals

As I build relationships with residents' families, I am often requested to officiate at their funerals, offering gentle guidance and support through the bereavement process. 

Bat Mitzvah Preparation Classes
• A series of classes leading to an adult Bat Mitzvah ceremony (or Bar Mitzvah renewal for men), designed for those who may not have had the opportunity for Jewish learning in their youth.
• The curriculum covers essential concepts of Judaism, including the Torah, lifecycle events, and holidays. 

I foster participation and engagement in my programs and religious services by:
• Playing traditional music and melodies that connect residents with their Jewish heritage and evoke cherished memories.
• Providing custom-designed, color-illustrated large-print prayer books and handouts featuring Hebrew text, creative English translations, and transliteration.