Sep 16, 2013

Refuat Ha-Nefesh Program Trains Volunteers to Bring Comfort to the Sick and Lonely

The Jewish Chaplaincy Program and Jewish Volunteer Center of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation are seeking participants for the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Spiritual Care Program, a remarkable and life-changing opportunity to bring comfort, spiritual solace and joy to people in need.

A unique volunteer experience for Jewish people from all walks of life, age 18 and older, the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Spiritual Care Program offers practical training on the mitzvah of bikur cholim (visiting the sick) and compassionate visits to people who are lonely or ill. Professional instruction and resources are provided at no charge and in a group setting by rabbis, doctors and social workers, with topics including the Jewish philosophy in visiting the ill; issues and concerns facing the elderly; Jewish perspective on end-of-life issues and death; Jewish healing rituals; how to handle dementia and depression in seniors with compassion; Jewish medical ethics and more. In addition, participants are able to enjoy three hours a week of hands-on volunteerism in the community.

Volunteer training begins October 28, 2013 and runs through April 7, 2014, with sessions taking place bi-monthly on Monday evenings at Federation’s Stanley C. Myers Building, 4200 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. Certificates are awarded upon completion of the program.

What past participants have said about the Refuat Ha-Nefesh program:

• “You go out to visit someone new and you find a new part of yourself.”

• "You will encounter a new part of your future as you listen to the hopes and fears of those fighting health battles.”

• “My challenge is to bring some Jewish spiritual feeling into my visits. I feel blessed with the opportunity to spend time with my new elderly friends and allow their memories to become my memories and share in the wisdom and warmth of their lives.”

Regina F. Zelonker is Chair of The Jewish Chaplaincy Program of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and Shana Lewinger Russo is Chair of the Jewish Volunteer Center. Together, these Federation divisions are working toward the vision of creating a more giving and compassionate community.

For more information or to apply to be part of Refuat Ha-Nefesh, contact the Jewish Volunteer Center at 786.866.8680 or [email protected]. The application deadline has been extended until October 21, 2013.