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Refuat Ha-Nefesh Application 2023

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REFUAT HA-NEFESH FELLOWS SPIRITUAL CARE PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM 2023-24

Directions: We are particularly interested in your reasons for wanting to join the program and the skills you might bring to your volunteering, so please fill out this form in its entirety. Once we have a fully completed application, we will contact you to schedule an interview.

NOTE: Our interactive hybrid program will be conducted both in person and via Zoom. Also, the program has a volunteer component that can be done in person or virtually so that you do not have to visit with people face-to-face. We will help you develop your volunteer participation.

A. Contact Information


B. Skills and experience

In which areas do you feel you have moderate to proficient skills? Also include a brief synopsis of your academic background and work experience. If you have skills you want to teach, please indicate below.

C. Previous Volunteer Experience

Please describe previous volunteer experience.

D. References

Please include the name(s) and contact information for at least one reference.

E. Jewish Congregational Affiliations

Please list any affiliations and memberships in a synagogue or temple in the Miami area. Note if you are an officer, board member or committee chair. Indicate if you are on a Caring Community or Chesed or Bikkur Cholim committee. If you aren't, would you like to serve on such a committee?

F. Jewish Community Affiliations

Please list any affiliations and memberships such as Jewish community centers, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, etc.

G. Criminal Background

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a criminal offense? If so, please explain.

H. Demographics

I. Brief Statement

In one paragraph, please explain your personal goals for participating in this program. What do you hope to learn or gain from this experience?

J. Field Work

This year, we ask you to develop or participate in a “Mitzvah Project.”

If you are going to contribute an online workshop for a facility, it will probably require an application, interview and brief orientation and may require a background check, including fingerprints. Let us know if you will be caregiving to a family member or friend as your volunteer commitment.

Examples of Mitzvah Projects might be:

• Assisting with programs of the Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) serving the needs of the JCS Program for Miami Beach Seniors on Espanola Way
• Developing a program for JCCs in any location
• Developing a program with a caring committee of a congregation
• Developing a program with Miami Jewish Health or other facility
• Assisting with programs with the Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
• Assisting with any hospice program volunteer department, such as VITAS, AccentCare or L’Chaim with Catholic Hospice
• Assisting with a correctional facility like a jail or prison, or halfway house

Types of Programs might be:

• Visits with elders/others on a regular basis
• Mindfulness skills training including mussar, meditation, yoga or tai chi
• Art or music programs
• Call elders/others on a regular basis to check in and establish relationship
• A book club or short story group
• A creative writing program
• A legacy project
• Deliver food on a regular basis
• Help out at the JCS Kosher Food Bank

Rabbi Cheryl Weiner will help develop Mitzvah Projects, monitor their progress and evaluate their success in conjunction with each volunteer and the collaborating facility or organization.

Statement of Commitment

I understand that if I am accepted into the program, I commit myself to engaging in a Mitzvah Project that will represent about 32 hours of service to the community or being a caregiver to my family. This commitment will continue until the end of April, whereupon I may agree to keep volunteering my time.

I also commit myself to attend the weekly learning sessions on Tuesday evenings via Zoom.

If I cannot make a session, I will contact Rabbi Cheryl Weiner, Director, in advance to inform her if I will not be able to attend. I will try to attend Mishkan Miami and community programs, which while optional, I am encouraged to attend.

By submitting this form, I attest that the information I have provided on the form is true and accurate, and I agree to the stated above terms.

Best Times for Interview:

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