Kol Haneshama: Jewish End of Life Care Program, in collaboration with the Zen Hospice Project of San Francisco.

The Kol Haneshama volunteers partner with end-of-life/hospice patients to provide spiritual support from the Jewish community. Our volunteers, also called Spiritual Care Partners, provide companionship and support to patients each week during a four hour shift. In addition to drawing upon the comfort of Jewish traditional and modern ritual resources the volunteers also identify habilitative options that help the patient maintain their sense of self. The Kol Haneshama volunteers are also confidants, silent companions, a consistent and calming presence, and a sometimes much needed connection to the Jewish community. There are no expectations about levels of religious observance rather the focus is on our availability as a knowledgeable and compassionate resource. 

Our specialized volunteer program incorporates extensive training and on-going volunteer support with a Jewish component. We ask for a commitment of at least one year of service. To apply to be a Spiritual Care Partner, please go to our volunteer web page.

Torah Reflections: These bi-weekly reflections, written by Jewish colleagues nationwide, address the weekly Torah portion or Jewish holidays throughout the year. Torah Reflections are a useful tool to facilitate exploration of Jewish text and thought for all ages. Thought-provoking and relevant, these Reflections aim to support, teach and imbue one with hope.

We are now offering Torah Reflections to individuals free of charge. Please e-mail us at jewishhealing@ioaging.org, indicating the e-mail address where you would like to receive the Reflections. If you are from an institution and would like to share with a larger audience, please contact us to make arrangements.

At the outset, these pieces were distributed primarily to hospital chaplaincy departments around the San Francisco Bay Area, as a way to provide additional support and agency visibility to Jewish patients. Their popularity has now allowed for an international distribution.

Mental Illness Outreach and Education-- A synagogue-based program to increase support.

Jewish Healing Month-- A celebration each May, including:

Azkarah: A Yizkor Memorial Service ~ Remembering helps us heal…So do community, hope, and prayer. Now held three times a year in San Francisco, our Azkarah service allows for a space to heal from current or past losses. Co-sposored by Congregation Sherith Israel , Congregation Emanu-El, Congregation Sha’ar Zahav and NextSteps at Sinai Memorial Chapel.

Grief and Growing ~A weekend retreat for bereaved families and individuals.

Omer Calendar ~A hands-on family activity distributed through religious schools.

Our Poster ~Distributed to hospitals and synagogues nationwide.

Special Events

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