Home / See, Read & Share / Federation News

Aug 13, 2012

Unique Volunteer Opportunity to Bring Comfort to the Sick and Lonely

Discover a remarkable and life-changing opportunity to bring comfort, spiritual solace and joy to people in need. For the fourth consecutive year, The Jewish Chaplaincy Program and Jewish Volunteer Center are seeking volunteers for the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Spiritual Care Program.

Open to those 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 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.

Beginning November 12, 2012, the program runs through May 13, 2013. Training takes place bi-monthly on Monday evenings at Federation’s Stanley C. Myers Building, 4200 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. Certificates are awarded upon completion and the training is free of charge.

For more information or to apply, contact the Jewish Volunteer Center at 786.866.8414 or [email protected]. The application deadline is October 31, 2012.

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.”

Welcoming Shlichim at Summer Camps

Welcoming Shlichim at Summer Camps

Despite a war with Iran, ballistic missiles and Israel’s closed airspace, this year’s delegation of summer camp shlichim (emissaries) is the largest ever.

Read More

Helping People With Disabilities During Crises

Helping People With Disabilities During Crises

When emergency sirens blare in Israel, most people run quickly to safety in shelters, but for those with disabilities, this may be impossible, which is why Federation is funding essential programs that help during wars, terror attacks and more.

Read More

Remembering the AMIA Attack in Argentina

Remembering the AMIA Attack in Argentina

Join Jewish Miami on Tuesday, July 22 for the Annual Commemoration of the tragic AMIA (Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina) Jewish Community Center bombing in Argentina 31 years ago.

Read More

Hurricane Season Is Here

Hurricane Season Is Here

You can join the 2025 JVC Emergency Response Team (JVERT) to support our community if a disaster strikes.

Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive news about Greater Miami Jewish Federation events and more.