A seven-session series focused on end-of-life issues. Join us to learn more about these critical topics with a slate of excellent facilitators and panelists. All programs held on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm. View previous sessions below.

We want everyone to have access to this series and are making it available online! CLICK HERE TO STREAM THE SESSION LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER OR TABLET at home! (You may be asked if you want to watch the program on Zoom.us. Click on Zoom.us or click "yes". The screen may then read: "This is the first time you are accessing the website. Do you want to proceed?" Answer "Yes".)

upcoming session (register below)!

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

Previous Sessions:

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

Watch "Ethical Wills" HERE.

Additional Resources: The presentation via PowerPoint / Source Sheet

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

Watch "Beyond the Paperwork: A Conversation About Estate Planning" HERE. 

Additional Resources: The presentation via PowerPoint / Wealth & Estate Planning: 10-Minute Self-Exam /  Estate Planning Questionnaire / Life & Legacy document / Blessings upon Completion of the Paperwork

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

Watch "Having the Conversation" HERE.

January 16, 2019

Palliative & Hospice Care: Who, 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... the How, What, Where and most importantly the Why of these remarkable and transformative health services. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 70, someone among your family and friends could benefit from Palliative and Hospice care now or in the future. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us as we learn how these important services can help us care for one another and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in our community. Facilitator: Dr. Sharon Neulinger; Panelists include Dr. Sivan Ben Moshe, Lauren Sherman Chernoff, Jenny Buckley and Cantor Donna Faye Marcus

Watch "Palliative & Hospice Care" HERE.

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 

Watch "Your Changing (and Aging) Family HERE.

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

Watch "When Death Visits Our Jewish Community" (Part One) HERE.