Give Me Your Hand: Creating a Caring Community
As a community we take pride in being able to care for one another in times of need. Helping individuals and families struggling with acute and long-term illnesses takes dedication, compassion, and organization. There is much to be done on the practical level, as well, a need for spiritual and emotional support to overcome the fear and isolation that are often part of the experience. It is not always easy to know what to do or say and sometimes people fall through the cracks. In this four-part class, we will explore what Judaism has to say about Bikkur Holim (Visiting the Sick), illness, and healing. We will read traditional texts, study several prayers, explore personal experiences, and develop practical strategies and skills. This class is open to anyone with an interest in bringing refuat ha-nefesh (healing of spirit) and refuat ha-guf (healing of body) to those living with illness and their loved ones.
Rabbi Elisa Goldberg has been the Director of the Joan Grossman Center for Chaplaincy and Healing of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia since November of 2000. Rabbi Goldberg graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1999 and Cornell University in 1990. She completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at Abington Memorial Hospital. She has worked as a chaplain in acute and long-term care facilities. In addition, she currently serves as a Spiritual Director at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.