End of life issues can be difficult to face, whether you simply wish to explore subjects like advance directives for health care, or, more so, if you or a loved one are struggling with health problems. By providing resources and encouraging dialogue about illness, death, and the quality of end of life, we hope to make Rodeph Sholom a place where people feel comfortable and safe addressing these difficult subjects.
Through the generosity of a grant received from the Jewish Healing and Hospice Alliance of UJA – Federation of New York and the Jewish Board Of Family and Children’s Services, we have been given the opportunity to create both an online resource center and a physical library to provide information as well as consolation. Although the inclusion of a website does not imply an endorsement of its contents, these sites seemed particularly user-friendly and wide-ranging. We hope that you will find them helpful.
Under the aegis of the Caring Community (caringcommunity@crsnyc.org), support groups and individual counseling with the congregation’s social worker are available throughout the year. Most important, please know that Rodeph Sholom’s clergy are always available to lend spiritual and practical support to every congregant.
Please also feel free to explore our programming for What Matters: Caring Conversations at the End of Life, a collaboration between several New York Jewish institutions and the nationwide Respecting Choices movement. Through this programming, our congregation has a number of trained facilitators who can help guide you through the process of advance care planning.
If you are interested in learning more about our congregational cemetery, Union Field Cemetery, please click here.
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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.[/accordian]
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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.
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[accordian title=”Comfort and Support for Those Who Are Seriously Ill”]
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.[/accordian]
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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)[/accordian]
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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.[/accordian]
[accordian title=”Ethical Wills”]
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.[/accordian]
[accordian title=”Caregiving and Care for Caregivers”]
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.[/accordian]
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Financial Literacy
For information on: budgeting, health care, insurance, housing, and longterm care. Also click “Life Crises” for more related information.[/accordian]
[accordian title=”Grief and Healing”]
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.[/accordian]
Justin Callis (he/him), our Cantorial Intern, is a fourth-year student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. He is the recipient of the Reuben Peretz Abelson Prize for dedication to Yiddish Song, the Temple Israel of Boston Cantorial Prize, and the Lee Gura Memorial Prize for Aptitude in Synagogue Choral Music.
Known for his sweet and “sumptuous” (New York Times) tone, American-born Doori Na took up violin at the age of four and began his studies with Li Lin at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He quickly made his first performance with orchestra at age seven with the Peninsula Youth Symphony as the first prize winner of the concerto competition. Thereafter Mr. Na went on to win top prizes in The Sound of Music Festival, The Korea Times Youth Music Competition, the Chinese Music Teacher’s Association, The Menuhin Dowling Young Artist Competition, The Junior Bach Festival, VOCE of the Music Teacher’s Association of California, and The Pacific Musical Society. Receiving full scholarships to private high school Crossroads School of Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica, he moved to Los Angeles to study with renown violin teacher, Robert Lipsett, at The Colburn Music School. There he appeared as soloist with the Palisades Symphony, Brentwood Symphony, and Torrance Symphony. During that time, the summer of 2004 was Mr. Na’s first time at the Perlman Music Program where his expression and musical identity were greatly influenced. He has been a part of the program ever since and participated in many of their special residencies in Florida, Vermont, New York, and Israel.
Violinist Michael Roth is a native of Scarsdale, NY and received his early musical training with Frances Magnes at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School. He attended Oberlin College and Conservatory, continuing his studies with Marilyn McDonald. At Oberlin, he won the Kaufman Prize for violin and First Prize in the Ohio String Teacher’s Association Competition. He completed his Master of Music degree at the University of Massachusetts where he worked with the distinguished American violinist and pedagogue Charles Treger and was a recipient of the Julian Olevsky Award. Mr. Roth is currently associate concertmaster of the New York City Ballet Orchestra and has appeared in chamber music and as a soloist with the company, most recently in the debut of “Slice Too Sharp”, a ballet of Biber and Vivaldi violin concerti, and “After the Rain”, violin music of Arvo Part. In addition he is a member of the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, Principal 2nd violin of the Westchester Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra and the New York Pops. He was concertmaster of the Vermont Mozart Festival Orchestra for many years and often appeared as soloist there, as well as at the Caramoor and Bard Music Festivals. He has played and toured internationally with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the New York Chamber Soloists.
Sarah Adams, viola, performs locally with the New York Chamber Ensemble, the Claring Chamber Players, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, the Friends of Mozart, and the Saratoga Chamber Players.
Praised by the New York Times as “irresistible in both music and performance.” flutist, 
Rabbi Mira Weller (she/her) received her ordination at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles in May 2022. She studied Culture and Politics at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and received her Master’s in Jewish Education at the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at HUC-JIR. She is the proud recipient of awards for her studies in rabbinic literature, her work in Jewish education, and she was granted the Myrtle Lorch Pfaelzer-Monroe Pfaelzer Award for an Outstanding Female Rabbinical School Student (2022). Rabbi Mira speaks Hebrew and Spanish (so please practice with her!). She has a passion for uncovering new possibilities in the great wealth of our tradition and for making music inspired by Judaism’s many cultures. Her guilty pleasures include cupcakes, classical music, and philosophy.
Based in New York since 2001, South African-born pianist, composer and producer has performed on four continents in leading venues such as Carnegie Hall, had her original music performed in venues such as New York’s Lincoln Center, appeared on a host of recordings of classical, world music and multi-genre recordings and produced numerous recordings and inter-disciplinary programs from Cape Town to Los Angeles. She has created her own unique language at the piano, made up of techniques she developed and experimented with to expand the piano into a full electro – acoustic orchestra.
Alan Goodis is a touring Jewish musician playing over 150 events a year. Born and raised in Toronto, Alan is a proud product of URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute. Noted for his dedication to building relationships and community through music, Alan tours throughout the US to serve as an Artist-In-Residence and performer at Temples, Youth Conventions and Jewish summer camps.
Julie Silver is one of the most celebrated and beloved performers in the world of contemporary Jewish music today. She tours throughout the world, and has been engaging audiences with her gorgeous compositions and liturgical settings, her lyrical guitar playing, her dynamic stage presence, and her megawatt smile for over 25 years.
Dan is a product of the URJ Jewish camping movement. He has toured Jewish summer camps across North America for the last 15 years. A classically trained singer, Dan received his Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance at the University of North Carolina. In 1995, realizing the potential of music to make powerful connections with Jewish youth, Dan established the Jewish rock band Eighteen. Since that time, Dan and Eighteen have released 13 albums. Songs like, L’takein, B’tzelem Elo-him, Kehillah Kedoshah, Chazak, Sweet As Honey, and Asher Yatzar have become Jewish communal anthems throughout North America.
Naomi Less is an internationally celebrated singer/songwriter, ritualist and educator. Beloved for her warm smile and inviting presence, communities celebrate her imagination and innovation, tenderness and pizzazz! Her original music is sung in worship communities worldwide. Naomi serves as Co-Founder, Ritual Leader and Associate Director of Lab/Shul and is a leader in amplifying women’s voices through her work at Songleader Boot Camp and her Jewish Women Rock show on Jewish Rock Radio. Naomiadvocates for people struggling with fertility journeys as a performance artist and speaker for Uprooted: A Jewish Response to Fertility Challenges. Fun fact: Naomi and her husband wrote the song shine/Yivarech’cha, a Friday night blessing, specifically composed for URJ Crane Lake Camp, sung every Friday night in the dining hall.
Her destiny became obvious to Joanie Leeds’ parents when, at the tender age of 2, Joanie grabbed the performer’s mic at a party and belted out the entire song“Tomorrow” from Annie. Jaws dropped! No one could remember ever hearing a big voice like that coming from one so tiny and certainly no one would have thought she would one day earn a GRAMMY® Award for her original music.
A composer, multi-instrumentalist, and prayer leader, Elana Arian is one of the leading voices in contemporary Jewish music. Elana’s music is part of Jewish life across the globe, and her compositions are sung in spiritual communities, summer camps, and synagogues from Louisville to London, from Chicago to the CzechRepublic, and everywhere in between. Elana just released her fourth album of original music, The Other Side of Fear, and her compositions have been published in countless Transcontinental Music collections. Elana serves proudly on the faculty of Hava Nashira (Oconomowoc, WI), the Wexner Heritage Foundation (Aspen, CO), Shirei Chagiga (London, England), and as an instructor at the Hebrew Union College in New York, where she teaches in the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. Elana has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, and perhaps most memorably, five separate appearances at the (Obama) White House. She lives in New York with her wife, Julia, and their two daughters, Maya and Acadia.
Known for his unique, engaging, and deeply soulful approach, Noah Aronson is considered one of the most sought after Jewish musicians in North America, making over 65 community appearances each year.
There is a reason why Time Magazine has listed Michelle in their Top Ten list of Jewish rock stars.
Kol B’Seder has been composing and performing contemporary Jewish music since the early1970s. Rabbi Dan Freelander and Cantor Jeff Klepper met as college students; over the past 50years they have released numerous CDs and songbooks. With Debbie Friedman (z”l) and others, they forged a new musical sound for American Jewish camps, schools and synagogues. Their songs, such as “Shalom Rav,” “Modeh Ani,” and “Lo Alecha,” have become traditionalJewish melodies around the world. They are delighted to be inaugurating their fiftieth anniversary celebration by appearing in support of URJ camps, where they first composed and incubated many of their early songs.
New York bassist Roger Wagner enjoys a long and diverse career. As soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral bassist, Mr. Wagner has appeared on many of the world’s great concert stages.
Margaret Kampmeier, 
Leonard Bernstein described 
Sarah Adams 
Michael Roth
Our initiative for young children and their grown-ups provides a slate of offerings including Shabbat and holiday celebrations, music, classroom readiness programs, and new parent experiences. During the pandemic, we have leaned on $1m of seed funding for Sholom Sprouts established through this campaign as we offer age-appropriate virtual programs for our families with young children, who are the future of our community. We look forward to welcoming our littlest members and their grown-ups back to our new fifth floor, as well as hiring a Program Assistant to increase the capacity of Sholom Sprouts to grow. This program provides a crucial entry-point to the congregation and membership for young families.
