A Timely Resource
Jewish End-of-Life Care in a Virtual Age: Our Traditions Reimagined
Edited by Dayle A. Friedman, David Levin, Simcha Paull Raphael
Jewish End-of-Life Care in a Virtual Age: Our Traditions Reimagined, a groundbreaking compilation of incisive new writing by chaplains, ethicists, rabbis, and lay caregivers, addresses the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for death and mourning.
In a time when “being there” with the dying and their dear ones is not practical, we have had to reinvent the way we provide care. Clergy, professionals and families will find here historical insight on the evolution of Jewish death rituals in times of crisis; guidance for online spiritual care and mourning rituals; approaches to bioethical dilemmas in the face of scarce medical resources; and an appendix of innovative end-of-life liturgies. This volume meets the needs of our present era and offers wise direction for the unknown future of Jewish end-of-life care.
Advance Praise
Rabbi Jack Riemer
— author, Finding God in Unexpected Places
“This book opened my eyes to the life-hallowing complexity of end-of-life care in our times. I wholeheartedly recommend this anthology of essays. It has much to teach us about how to live life fully—up to and even at the very end.”
Rabbi Jill Hammer
— author, Return to the Place: The Magic, Meditation and Mystery of Sefer Yetzirah
“Rarely has a Jewish anthology been needed so urgently or so immediately. This profoundly sensitive, compassionate, insightful, practical and useful companion for Jewish clergy, caregivers and mourners offers innovative solutions to the problems we face in honoring the dead in an era of social distancing.”