Sep 9, 2016

Spiritual Care Program Seeks Volunteers

Looking for a meaningful volunteer experience? Federation’s Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support and Jewish Volunteer Center present Refuat Ha-Nefesh Spiritual Care Program, a life-changing opportunity to bring comfort, spiritual solace and joy to people in need. The program offers volunteers age 18 and older practical training on the mitzvot of bikur cholim (visiting the sick) and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). Professional instruction and resources are provided in a group setting by rabbis, doctors and social workers, which begin October 31.

Currently in its ninth year, the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Fellows Program, directed by Rabbi Cheryl Weiner, has trained more than160 fellows, many of whom continue their involvement in the program via the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Alumni Network. “Like a pebble thrown into a pond, the ripples reach outwards, affecting individuals, their families, their friends and the community at large,” she said. “As much as we and our expert speakers give to our fellows, they give back to us ten-fold.” Program alumni are encouraged to attend gatherings with the current cohort, including the annual Ministering to the Elderly Program and workshops on Creating Congregational Caring Communities.

While the focus of the program is providing care and spiritual healing to others, volunteers are also deeply affected. Andrew Nuremberg, a graduate of the 2016 program, gained a better understanding of himself. “I accepted the challenge of Refuat Ha-Nefesh…and came out of it a changed person. I've learned more about what people feel, and what I feel, than I would have thought possible.”

In addition to providing peace and companionship to those they serve, fellows frequently take what they have learned through the trainings and share it with the community at large. Sammi Siegel, a 2016 program graduate, shared, “Through learning to sit with others’ pain, sadness and despair, I was able to gain a spiritual perspective on the healing process of being present with compassion. The Refuat Ha-Nefesh program provided the Jewish backdrop for the necessity and privilege of caring for others... I am now able to take back with me aspects of this program to my own congregation’s Caring Kehillah.”

The application deadline is October 9. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 786.866.8486.