A Jewish Guide to the End of Life
This booklet has been prepared by Rodeph Sholom to help each of us become more comfortable thinking and talking about death, and more knowledgeable about the life-affirming wisdom of our Jewish tradition.

We think one of the most important elements of end of life care is the health care proxy, and we urge you to complete one and then discuss it with those closest to you. A health care proxy form, tailored for New York State requirements, can be downloaded here. Follow this link for an informational FAQ regarding Advance Directives.

For more information about Advance Directives, please look at the following site:

New York Legal Assistance Group: This site contains the total TLC forms packet which includes the health care proxy, living will, and US Living Will Registry forms.

Shira Ruskay Center – Providing Comfort and Support for the Seriously Ill
The Shira Ruskay Center assists seriously ill patients, their families and loved ones with navigating the complex and often chaotic health and social service systems, thereby enabling access to better and more comprehensive care.

Telephone or in-person consultation is available. Information and assistance as well as psychological, social and spiritual support is provided.

The “Doula to Accompany and Comfort” Program
The Doula to Accompany and Comfort Program trains volunteers who provide companionship and comfort for people whose life expectancy is 18 months or less, in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and at home. Doulas serve those who have limited support from family and friends; working with one person at a time, Doulas can minimize the sense of isolation, provide emotional comfort, assist with practical concerns and advocate on behalf of people with life limiting illness.

The National Center for Jewish Healing
Jewish healing programs, services, and materials creatively use traditional Jewish resources, psychological insights, mind/body wellness practices, and an understanding of the healing power of community to fortify coping, nurture hope and foster connection. Programs addressing serious illness and end of life include: Jewish spiritual support groups, spiritual counseling, healing holiday programs and services, and resource materials.

Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council
The tradition of bikur cholim, Hebrew for “visiting the sick,” is an imperative to visit and support the needs of those who are ill or isolated. Visiting those in need brings comfort and reinforces connections to life. Support for Bikur Cholim activities are provided by consulting, training volunteers, and providing materials, workshops and an annual NYC conference for organizations and interested individuals.

The Conversation Project
The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. When it comes to end-of-life care, one conversation can make all the difference. Please visit their website to learn more about beginning this important conversation.

NHPCO/National Hospice Foundation
Click on ‘Voice’ for links to in-depth guides for effective communication of your personal and medical preference decisions to family, friends and health care providers. This page includes a glossary.

My Own Life – Oliver Sacks on Learning He Has Terminal Cancer (NY Times Article)

UJA-Federation of New York’s Mollie and Jack Zicklin Jewish Hospice Residence
The hospice is a New York State-certified residential facility under Jewish auspices. Patients who spend their final weeks or months here receive 24-hour medical and nursing attention; the company of well-trained, caring Jewish volunteers; and the opportunity to find meaning in life for as long as possible. The hospice’s kosher kitchen observes all Jewish dietary laws. There is a rabbi on staff and available to provide, upon request, spiritual enrichment, pastoral counseling, or companionable conversation. Jewish holidays are observed, and all staff members are sensitive to Jewish religious and cultural preferences.

PBS
This site featuring Bill and Judith Moyers provides much information and many links. Diane Meier Director, of the Hertzberg Palliative Care Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine is featured with an audio presentation.

NHPCO/National Hospice Foundation
This site offers discussions concerning hospice and offers a toll-free helpline. It also offers guidelines and advice for making this difficult choice.

Celebrations of Life
This site has basic explanations of why and how to write an ethical will with examples for every age group. Click on the following links: What’s in an ethical will? Why write an ethical will? When would I write one? How to write an ethical will.

Authorama
This is an historical analysis of ancient ethical wills.

AARP
Click on “Family, Home and Legal ” and on following page click on “Caregiving.” This page offers advice on how to involve the whole family in caregiving.

Visiting Nurse Service of NY
Click on “Services” to arrive at the area of this site which provides helpers and advice for families in need.

Financial Literacy
For information on: budgeting, health care, insurance, housing, and longterm care. Also click “Life Crises” for more related information.

Hospice Net
The section on “Bereavement” contains articles about the grieving process and a section on children, which offers guides for helping young children and teenagers.

AARP
Not for seniors only, the Grief and Loss section in the Family, Home and Legal area of the AARP website covers a broad range of topics, with thumbnail descriptions to direct your search. There are articles that specifically address sudden or traumatic loss, and the loss of a child.

Compassionate Friends
Primarily a national network of support groups comprised of parents mourning the loss of a child , this website provides contact information for its regional chapters. In the “Sibling Resources” area, there are excellent articles for older children and adults who are grieving the death of a sibling.