Ready or Not: Jewish Perspectives on End-of-Life Issues

Shearith Israel is pleased to present a thoughtful, seven-session series focused on end-of-life issues. Join us on the following dates to learn more about these critical topics with a slate of excellent facilitators and panelists. All programs begin at 7:30pm. All are welcome. Please register via this link.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Ethical Wills: Getting Your Thoughts on Paper

What are ethical wills, why do they matter, and what is their Jewish connection? Regardless of your age, it is always valuable and meaningful to consider the hopes, ideals, principles, and blessings that you want to leave as a legacy to your loved ones. An ethical will is the way you can do that. This session will get you started on creating yours. Facilitator: Dr. Ed Queen; Panelists include Natalie Kaiman

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Beyond the Paperwork: A Conversation About Estate Planning

Hear practical advice from an expert on the documents that comprise “Estate Planning:” wills, living trusts, advanced directives, “Jewish Health Care Directives,” POAs, HCPOAs. What does Judaism teach us about this subject? What is probate–good, bad, avoid? Learn about the Federation’s “Life and Legacy Project” and how you can be a part of this critical effort. Facilitator: Steve Merlin; Panelists include Jake Kaplan and Blair Rothstein

Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Having the Conversation: What Are Their Wishes? What Are Yours?

The Conversation Project seeks “to have every person’s wishes for end-of-life care expressed and respected.” Join our facilitators as they present a condensed version of the national program started by writer Ellen Goodman in 2010. Documents, practical tips and support will be shared as congregants are given the tools to start this project for themselves and their loved ones. Facilitators: Dr. Marcia Jacobs and Denise McLaughlin

January 16, 2019
Palliative & Hospice Care: What, When and Where?

Our expert panel includes a palliative doc, geriatrician, hospice social worker, hospice nurse, and a hospice chaplain who will elaborate on the 4 “W”s. Facilitator: Dr. Sharon Neulinger; Panelists include Dr. Sivan Ben Moshe, Lauren Sherman Chernoff, Jenny Buckley and Cantor Donna Faye Marcus

Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Ready Or Not: Your Changing (and Aging) Family

If we’re lucky, we all grow old–now what? How do we cope and help others cope? Our panelists will explore the practical and emotional factors in coping with aging parents and partners, and of course ourselves. Sandwich generation welcome; you will need this info sooner than later! Facilitators: Dr. Marshall Duke and Sara Duke; Panelists include Elise Eplan, Jana Eplan and Harlan Eplan, Jeff Kirsh, Rabbi Sirner, and Dr. Bruce Rudisch

February 27, 2019
When Death Visits Our Jewish Community: Everything You Wanted to Know (or Not)

Learn the what and why of the many traditional Jewish practices surrounding death; also, cremation, tissue and organ donation, CSI’s cemeteries, how to honor non-Jewish family members, and an overview of funeral home scope of services. Facilitator: Rabbi Kaiman; Panelists include David Zinner, Eddie Dressler, Harold Koslow

March 13, 2019
When Death Visits Our Jewish Community: After the Funeral… Now What?

Learn the what and why of traditional Jewish practices following the funeral: shiva, minyan, shloshim, headstones, and saying Kaddish. How can we support the mourners among us? Personal responses to the loss of a parent or partner will be explored. Facilitator: Rabbi Kaiman; Panelists include Dr. Bruce Rudisch, Leon Tuck, Leah Harrison and Emily Kaiman