VOLUME 2 . ISSUE 2 . FALL 1999 / 57 60

BLACK FIRE (Upon WHITE FIRE

By DR. TAMARA GREEN, PH.D. Founding Board Member of the NCJH and Chair of the Classics Department at Hunter College

A MIDRASH staring into my own Jewish heart. No matter (fanciful commentary on how well I know the the Torah) declares that when Adonaiwas ready passage, my heart to create the world, all pounds, the pointer trembles in my hand, the letters of the and my voice quavers aleph-bet clamored and begged, "Create the as I read. Perhaps it is "performance anxiety," world through me!" After each letter had but perhaps it is that I know that the letters made its case and had are truly written, as been rejected, Adonai chose the Hebrew letter the ancient rabbis 'bet,' because it was said, "with black fire upon white fire ." the first letter of baruch, "blessed," the What they meant was word by which we that, like fire, Torah is sanctify Adonai and alive, casting shadows the creation of the on and, at the same world. That is why, the rabbis felt comfortable. Giving divrei time, illuminating the explain, the Torah begins with the Torah (homilies) was easy; many whole of AdonaPs creation. Surely word bereishit, "in the beginning." years of teaching had prepared that must be true, but I have found my own understanding of "black It would seem, then, that not only me for public speaking, and I fire upon white fire" as I stand does the aleph-bet have extraor­ loved the scholarly chase that dinary power, but that the world produced an interpretation of the over the Torah scroll. is constructed letter by letter. text. But what I really wanted was continued on page 2 It was a power that for a long to see the letters of the Torah, and From the narrow place of my distress time I never fully understood, for so first I learned the blessings that 1 called out to Adonai, I never saw the inside of a Torah are recited between the sections My answer came from a place scroll until I was an adult. I had of the reading. This gave me the of divine spaciousness. grown up in an Orthodox synagogue, opportunity to stand next to the PSALM 118. VERSE 5 sitting with the other women in the Torah; but even looking over the s we enter the High Holidays. this balcony; and even when the scroll shoulder of the reader, I was still special and sacred period of time. we was lifted up at the conclusion of too far away to see the letters A have much to think about. These days of repentance-of teshuvah-are a time for the reading of that week's portion, clearly. I knew that if I were ever personal introspection within the context of I was too far away to see the letters. going to understand the physical communal prayer. Some of us are comfortable in I may have learned the meaning of presence of the Torah, I was going the synagogue,at home in the language of prayer. But for others. it can be an experience the mitzvot contained in Torah, but! to have to learn how to read it of frustration and alienation. We may feel kept could not comprehend the physical myself. out of the experience by not being part of a presence of the words of Torah. I Of all the activities of my adult community, by not being familiar with Hebrew. could not imagine the power that by physical or emotional realities which keep Jewish life, nothing has given me us isolated. Even if we are able to participate the individual letters might contain. more pleasure than learning how comfortably in the communal experience. we And then, after sporadically to leyn (chant) Torah. And nothing may feel constricted by our own fears or our attending synagogue for many scares me more than standing up own perception of our limitations. In this issue of The Outstretched Arm, our contrbutors describe years, I joined a "do-it-yourself" in front of the congregation on some of the barriers that may exist. and help egalitarian minyan, in which Shabbat, chanting the Hebrew, us find ways to explore and transcend those everyone was encouraged to staring into what seems to me to "narrow places". -SK participate in whatever way they be the heart of the Jewish people, FROM THE DIRECTOR, JANET SHERMAN The OUTSTRETCHED ARM I

VO LUME 2 . ISSUE 2 . FAL L 1999/5760 NATIONAL NEWS ge nerous and longstanding grants of The This past April, the National Nathan Cummings Foundation. In addition, we The Outstretched Arm is published by the National Center for Jewish Healing, Center presented a panel are committed to broadening the base of individual a Jewish Connections program of the Jewish on "How to Start aJewish supporters who believe that the jewish community Board of Family and Children's Services Healing Center" at the has a responsibility to more fully address the annual conference of the spiritual needs of jews living with illness and loss. Janet Sherman, MSW, Director Association ofjewish Family We have included a return envelope for your Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, CSW, & Ch ildren's Agencies convenience in making a tax-Deductible contribution Rabbinic Director (Aj FCA) . Panelists included Karen Zeff, jFS to make jewish healing and jewish heal ing Susie Kessler, Executive Director from Allentown, Pennsylvania; resources more readily available to those in need. Editor Seymour Friedland, Boston jF&CS Executive EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Tamara Green Di rector; and Pinchas Berger,jBFCS Director of NEW STAFF ADDITION Ellen Schecter jewish Community Services. Since the conference, We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Regina L.

FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR the number of local communities consulting with Sandler-Phillips as Assistant Rabbinic Director, Ellen Hermanson, z" ] us about initiating jewish healing programming is with responsiblities for both the New York growing. Each week brings new inqu iries. The jewish Healing Center and The National Center 850 SEVENTH AVENUE, SUITE 1201 needs exist and communities are beginning to for jewish Healing. Rabbi Sandler-Phillips was NEW YO RK , NEW YORK 10 019 organize themselves to meet them. In this issue ordained by the Academy for jewish Religion, a of The Outstretched Arm, we are pleased to begin pluralistic rabbinical and cantorial seminary in a regular feature which will provide information New York City. With master's degrees in social about the development and ongoing work of local work and public health, Regina brings to the Illuminated manuscript courtesy of the Library af jewish healing centers across North America. position extensive experience in community the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (See opposite page). organization/group work, counseling, education and the arts. Her particular talents and WE'VE MOVED! BUILDING A BASE OF SUPPORT strengths in teaching texts and music will be Please Note One of my goals as Director of The National valuable assets to our work. Regina has pursued New Address and Phone Number Center for Jewish Healing is to build a consistent, training in Clinical Pastoral Education, and has THE NATIONAL CENTER reliable financial base for our operations. We served as a hospital and nursing home chaplain, FOR JEWISH HEALING C/o JBFCS are actively seeking new partners to expand and and as a congregational rabbi . 850 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1201 diversify our foundation support beyond the New York, New York 10019 phone 212-399-2320 fax 212-399-2475

BLACK FIRE W HIT E FIR E continued from page 1

SUSTAINING OUR SPIRITS: There are no vowel signs on the words about what seems to be at bestincompre­ Jewish Spiritual Support Groups written in the Torah scroll, and so it is hensible, at worst unbearable? What can sometimes difficult to figure out how to we do when the words written in black A 2-Day Intensive Training for Co-facilitators pronounce them; and once learned, they fire seem to fail us? How do we unravel are sometimes difficult to remember. It the text to find the healing words that are Monday & Tuesday, November 8 & 9 has occurred to me that just as the contained there? Perhaps sometimes we New York City letters are visible on the page and yet must look behind and around the black call Susie Kessler at (212) 399-2320 sometimes hard to read, so the black fire fire and focus instead on the white fire, for information is what is visible in our lives, even if we to the spaces between the letters where we do not always comprehend its meaning. can create our own text. The white fire There are too many shadows that get in is boundless, offering us a place to our way of seeing clearly. Just as we express both our terrors and our hopes. struggle to decipher the letter of Torah, The white fire provides us with space in we struggle to find the language to artic­ which, letter by letter, we can write our ulate what is painful in our lives, our own attempts at understanding, express own suffering or the suffering of those our own words of prayer, and inscribe whom we love. our own blessings for healing. How do we find the language to speak

2 The Outstretched Arm is honored to share with you this growing list of Jewish healing centers. We're happy to report that this is only a partial list-other centers will be showcased in future editions. Included are brief descriptions of some center highlights, as well as important contact names and numbers. Please do not hesitate to call these centers if you are in need or wish to become involved. If you are able to contribute to the continued growth of the Jewish healing center in your local community through financial support, we encourage you to do so. We would like to thank everyone for providing us with this information and to express our gratitude for their dedication.

BALTIMORE, MD: Baltimore Jewish Healing MIDDLETOWN, NY: Jewish Family Services of ROCHESTER, NY: Jewish Family Service Network (with support ofJewish Family Services) Orange County (healing center in planning stages) . Offered several adult educotion programs at . Offers training/ongoing support for bikkur cholim • Has completed a community-wide needs assessment. local synagogues. volunteers at local synagogues. •Currently seeking start-up funding for healing •Received 0 grant to provide spiritual study/ • Coordinates Friendly Visitor program for home center program. discussion groups for individuals, families, and bound elderly. Contact Brent Porges caregivers struggling with medical illness. 'Provides resources, referrals, and advocacyfor Ph: (716) 461-0110 fax: (716) 461-9658 . Continues to offer spiJitual support groups those who are ill. ST. LOUIS, MO: Jewish Family & Children's Service through Jewish Family Services. Contact: Donna Haviv (in cooperation with CongregationShaare Emeth) Ph: (914) 341-1173 Fax: (914) 342-6436 Contact: Israela Meyerstein, LCSW and -Offered two support groups; for children of aging Rabbi Gila Ruskin Ph; (410) 484-2172 fax r410) 484-2373 NEW YORK, NY: New York Jewish Healing Center parents, and for people living with cancer. e-mail: [email protected] • Implemented monthly jewish healing Torah study Contact: Sharon Weissman and support group for doctors at St. Vincent's Ph: (314) 993-1240 fax: (314) 993-0238 BOSTON, MA: Jewish Healing Connections e-mail: [email protected] •Created a jewish bereavement support group (A Service ofJF&CS) program in partnership with the JCC of the TAMPA, FL: The Jewish Healing Center of • Offers bikkur cholim training at area synagogues. Upper West Side . Co-sponsoring two community education Tampa Jewish Family Services · Received a major grant from UJA-Federation of programs in the fall: · Sponsored training for bikkur cholim volunteers. New York in partnership with Mt. Sinai hospital •Provides visitors for hospitals and haverim/friends •A Jewish Healing weekend with Temple Beth Avodah for a collaborative model of outreach to connect for one-on-one telephone contact and support •A presentation with the JCC at its Book Fair discharged patients and outpatients with by Dr. David Freeman, author of Illness and • Will be offering bereavement support groups, and resources for spiritual healing in the New Health in the lewish Tradition. support groups for health care providers. York jewish community. Contact: Erni B. Goldstein Contact: Marjorie Sokol!, Director ofJewish Healing Contact: Janet Sherman, Ph: (813)960-1848 fax (8130265-8239 Ph: (617) 558-1278 Fax (617) 5250 Director ph: (212) 399-2320 ex. 209 fax: (212) 399-2475 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] CLEVELAND, OH: Cleveland Jewish TORONTO: The Toronto Jewish Healing Project ORANGE COUNTY, CA: Healing Center • Offers Jewish support groups for people with Jewish Healing Center of Orange County •Sponsoring in the fall in conjunction with Jewish terminal!chronic illness . . Center has 5 program components: support a Family Service "R'fuah Shleima: A Day ofSpirituality, · Recently received grant from the Hebrew groups, chaplaincy, religious services, bikkur Study, and Healing for all affected by HlV/ AIDS. Memorial Park, given to the JF&-CS to support cholim, and infolmation and referral. Contact: Rabbi Susan B. Stone the work of the Toronto jewish Healing Project. Ph: (216) 381-6119 fax: (216) 291-2010 · Planning a conference on providing comfort and · Will be offering a six-week program in the fall e-mail: [email protected] support to Jewish families affected by mental illness. entitled" Six Rabbis, Six Psalms" and a three-week •Developing a program to train hospice volunteers. training session for health care professionals. DELAWARE: Kimmel-Spiller Jewish Healing Contact: Mel Roth, Executive Director, JFS Contact: Etta Ginsberg McEwan, Coordinator Center of Jewish Family Service Ph: (714) 445-4950 fax (714) 445-4960 ph: (416) 944-3359 fax: (416) 968-1996 · Holding parlor meetings in local homes on topics e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] related to Jewish healing. PHOENIX, AZ: Shalom Center for Education, WASHINGTON, DC: . Creating bikkur cholim volunteer training manual Healing, and Growth and program. Washington Jewish Healing Network -Offers monthly healing services ofhope and comfort. 'Conducts monthly Jewish healing service and • Offers spiritual support groups, adult education · Trains bikkur cholim volunteers and runs a Bikkur on-going spiritual support groups. courses, healing services, training, and consultation. Cholim Caregivers Renewal and Support Group. Contact: Rabbi Myriam Klotz, Director · Recent groups include: jews living with illness; Ph: (302) 478-9411 fax (302) 479-9883 'Provides life transition support and education bereaved parents; bereaved sibling; parents of e-mail: [email protected] groups for Jews dealing with divorce, separation, estranged children; issues of aging; spiritual illness, loss, and caring for aging parents. autobiography. Los ANGELES, CA: The Jewish Healing Center Contact: Sharona Silverman, Director · Taught course on incorporating spirituality into at Metivta (a center for contemplative Judaism) Ph: (602) 971-1234 Fax: (602) 971-5909 psychotherapy for staff of jSSA. 'Conducts healing services at Metivta and with PITTSBURGH, PA: Healing Center In Formation Contact: Carol P. Hausman, Ph.D., Coordinator local synagogues. Ph: (202) 966-7851 fax: (202) 966-5422 . Trains, places and supervises bikkur cholim • Conducted program at University of Pittsburgh e-mail: [email protected] volunteers who visit people in hospitals, nursing Medical Center for health care professionals, homes, at home and in hospices. Maintains monthly "What do Judaism and Psych oneuroimm unology spiritual support group for volunteers. Teaches Have in Common?" bikkur cholim to synagogue communities. · Scheduled conference for fall' 99 integrating medical, · Teaches continuing education classes about psychological, social, and jewish perspectives on spiritual care for professional staff at JFS. healing. Contact: Ellen Winer, R.N., Director · Preparing a relaxation tape for inpatients with Ph: (310) 477-5370 fax (310) 477-7501 Jewish prayer, mediation, and music. e-mail: [email protected] Contact: Gayle Rosner Abrams aod Rabbi Larry Heimer Ph: (412) 421-6912 fax (412) 648-6871 e-mail: [email protected]

3 In this edition of The Outstretched Arm, our teaching section will focus on Psalms or Tehillim. Psalms have long been a traditional resource for dealing with illness and loss. But for many of liS, the language of Psalms can be difficult to "crack". We may find it difficult to relate to the lmfamiliar, and at times, archaic, images and metaphors. In looking for ways to overcome these potential barriers, we have asked Rabbi Simkha Weintraub for his help and guidance. He has provided us with a wonderful overview on Psalms. and shares with us a methodology for a guided approach to unlocking the deep power of individual Psalms. We encourage you to try this approach in your own exploration of this timeless resource.

FRO M THE DEPTHS Psalms as A Spiritual Reservoir in Difficult Times

By RABBI SIMKHA Y. WEINTRAUB, CSW, Rabbinic Director

llness, suffering, and loss mute us- they leave us without example is a Jewish support group that began each meeting words. Overwhelmed, confused, distraught, despairing­ with a Psalm of despair or complaint (such as 13, 77, or 88) and c!J and/ or profoundly grateful, reflective, renewed, ended with a Psalm of gratitude (such as 18,91, or 118.) attuned-whatever our state, we are often left speechless, feeling grayer As with other forms of Jewish prayer, Psalms may that words fall flat, or do not convey what we want/need/ provide various opportunities: for giving words to hopes, fears, intend. In the face of these challenges, those who are in pain, wishes, etc.; to both experience the pain and transcend it; to as well as those who care for them, may need new ways of "name" one's distress or gratitude; and/or to reconnect to tradition communicating, new tools for talking, and new modes of relating. and community, or to a basic inner sense of wholeness. Enter the Psalms. For centuries, Jews (and others) have turned to the biblical Book of Psalms for solace, guidance, catharsis, dong So many lines of Psalms have been put to music, and renewal, and much more. The 150 Psalms that constitute this even calling on the melodies without the words can have great important component of the "Writings" section of the Jewish impact. Here are several examples of lines from Psalms that Bible reflect a wide range of experience and expression-anger have become known as "Jewish healing songs' because of their and acceptance, complaint and comfort, despair and delight, words and/or music: Psalm 27: Verse 4 (Ahat Sha'altil"One fatigue and faith, and so on. In approaching this body of Thing I Ask"); Psalm 118: Verse 5 (Min HaMeitzar/"From the ancient spiritual or sacred poetry, many have found words that Narrow Straits"); Psalm 121: Verses 1-2, (Esa Einai/"I Lift Up My Eyes"). "work" for them, or that help uncover their own words, hitherto ef/udy: The Hebrew ofthe Psalms is often obscure or otherwise obscure or inaccessible. Even though some of the language or hard to "crack," having gone through centuries of recopying. images may seem alien, when one digs deep enough one may This means that there is a lot to explore-for example, to compare find wellsprings of great impact. how different editions translate the same lines. Psalms pervade the established Jewish liturgy of morning, afternoon, and evening prayer services, but our tradition made C'Yneditation: Once you find a piece from Psalms that resonates, the Psalms into a very "flexible" resource-encouraging us to that has meaning for you, you might want to focus in on it for a turn to them when we need them, and be less bound by, for set period of time. Words of Psalms can be a valuable tool in example, strictures that require certain prayers to be recited at refocusing, centering, and quieting oneself. Some people post a certain times of the day. Thus, although certain Psalms are, verse, phrase, or word on their office computer screen so they indeed assigned to certain junctures (for example, from can freely turn to it in the course of a workday; others make Sunday through Shabbat we travel through Psalms 24, 48, 82, their own audio recording to be able to play it back while sitting 94-5, 81, 93 and 92 as the "Psalm of the Day"), we may always in a quiet, undisturbed setting. turn to the Psalms as "ad hoc" sources of support. @ommunity One profound Jewish practice organizes members of The Levites sang the Psalms in the ancient Temple, not unlike a Jewish community into a Hevra Tehillim, a "Psalm Fellowship," the way growing numbers of congregations welcome Shabbat which gathers with some regularity to study/chant Psalms on Friday night by chanting their way through six Psalms (95- together. In some places, when an individual is ill, the community 99, plus 29) praising the beauty of nature (corresponding to the has divided the 150 Psalms among all its members, so that the six days of Creation) and culminating in the Psalm for Shabbat entire book of Psalms is read and dedicated daily to healing, (92). Psalms may be heard at many moments in life: at the bedside cure, strength, solace, and/or recovery. Community is an- maybe of those who are ill, at the beginning of the blessing after meals, the- essential component of Jewish healing. at funerals, when visiting a grave, and in many other settings. They are there to help express our great joy and our devastating @onversatwn. In time, as certain words or phrases from Psalms despair, our gratitude and our distress, life's "ups" and, of course, become especially meaningful to you, consider weaving them its "downs." into your speech-so that the ancient words bolster your ability So, what do you do with these Psalms? to heal and integrate. To answer that question, it would be helpful to identify seven "functions" that Psalms have developed in Jewish life: The strength of Psalms lies substantially in you- in what the reader brings to the words and infuses in to them. Psalms are a Mitual. As a source of regular expression, to mark certain container for our fears and hopes, a catalyst for the freeing up moments and create a container for feelings, ideas, and values, and offering up of our profound and deep-set wishes, prayers, either in an established traditional, communal context, or in desires, and insights. one's own personal, innovative time and place. One recent

4 "FROM THE DEPTHS" From the beginningo( the Hebrew month o( Elul-one month before Rosh Hashannah - and all the way through the holiday o( Sukkot, traditional Jews add Psalm 27 to their daily prayers. Though this Psalm was chosen by the rabbis to One Approach to accompany us through this High Holiday season, it also has much to offer th ose o( us struggling with illness-whether as Exploring/Experiencing a Psalm patient, (amily member or (riend, or health care provider. Our tricky "balancing act " o( acceptance and activism, o( living in the moment but fighting (or the (uture, finds expression in these ancient words attributed to King David. Read © Rabbi Simkha Y Weintraub, CS w, 1997 it through using the accompanying approach to exploring Psalms as a guide. As you discover the phrases or ideas which resonate (or you, consider revisiting the Psalm with some regularity, alone or with close ones, during this season o( Return Rabbinic Directar, Th e National Center for and Response. Perhaps it will trigger your own creative writing effort to articulate your deepest prayers. Jewish Healing It will certainly link you to a community and a tradition o( support, (aith, affirmation, and hope.

1. Read the Psalm through once out loud­ and then once to yourself, quietly. fYsalm Q7 A P SAL M 0 FDA V 10 2. Look for a section, sentence, phrase, or word that speaks to you, and circle it. Adonai is my Light and my Help; You seek my heart, whom will i fear? My heart seeks You­ 3. Chart the Psalm in terms of its meaning: Adonai is the Strength of my life; I seek Your Presence. who can make me afraid? a. Can you label 2, 3, or 4 distinct Do not hide Your Face from me; sections? Mark and label them. When evil people draw near to devour my flesh - Do not turn Your servant away in anger! it is these foes and enemies who stumble and fall. You have always been my Help h. Are there distinct voices? (Psalmist, so do not abandon me, do not forsake me, God, Enemies, Others? Label them.) Even if an army rises up against me, my God, my Saving One. my heart will have no fear! c. Can you summarize the "flow" of the Even if a whole war besets me, Even if my father and mother abandoned me. I will still feel secure. Adonai would gather me in. Psalm -e.g. from pain to despair to searching to reaffirmation? If so, One thing I ask from Adonai, Teach me Your ways. Adonai, please describe briefly: one thing I seek: Guide me on a straight and level path, to dwell in Adonai's house all the days of my life, because of my watchful enemies. to gaze upon the beauty of Adonai, to explore Adonai's sanctuary. Do not hand me over to my foes; ignore the false witnesses and unjust accusers Adonai will shelter me in a Sukkah who rise up against me, on an ev il day; breathing violence! 4. Do you experience something in some Adonai will conceal me in the secret shelter of a tent, way familiar? Where? raise me up safely upon a rock. I believe I will yet see Adonai's Goodness Verse (s): in the Land of Life. My head is high above my enemies around me; I sacrifice in Adonai's tent, to the blasts of trumpets, Hope in Adonai! singing and chanting a hymn to Adanai! Be strong inside, and let your heart be brave! Yes, yes, hope in Adonai! 5. Where do you encounter difficulties in Adonai - sh 'ma/hear my voice when I call ! meaning? Verse(s}: Have mercy on me and respond! TRANSLAnoN BY RABBI SIMKHA Y. WEINTRAUB, CSW © 19 9 5 ------Over the centuries, certain Psalms became Here are a few references for further a. What is foreign? What needs associated with particular moments or exploration of PsalmsfTehillim: clarification? transitions in life, for example: Feuer, Rabbi Avrohom Chaim. Tehillim Treasury: For times of communal distress: 20, 28, 85, 86, 102, 130, 142 Inspirational Messages and Upli(ting Interpretations For recovery from illness: 6, 30. 41, 88. 103 o(the Psalms o(David (Brooklyn, NY: Mesorah h. What would you eliminate? (which For thanksgiving: 9, 21. 57, 95,116.138 Publications, 1994) words, verses, ideas?): Reb Nahman of Bratslav. the Hassidic master of Hirsch, Rabbi Samson Raphael. Serer Tehillim: some 200 years ago. designated ten psalms as ------having special power for healing: 16. 32,41. 42, The Psalms Uerusalem/New York: Feld heim 59,77. 90, 105, 137, and 150; he saw these as Publ ishers, 1978) 6. If you were asked to amplify or develop embodying the "ten kinds of song" outlined by Levine, Herbert J. Sing Unto God a New Song: one piece of this Psalm, what might you Rabbi Joshua ben Levi in the Talmud (Pesahim 177a.) A Contemporary Reading of the Psalms write? Feel free to offer 2 or 3 lines: (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1995) Mention must be made of "the Psalmist in you." Readers may be familiar with the remarkable Sarna, Nahum M. On the Book o(Psalms: writings of Debbie Perl man, Psalm ist~n- Resi de nce of Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston, Ill inois. Exp loring the Pra yers o(A ncient Israel. 7. Finally, if you had to name this Psalm, as Through her various challenges in life, Debbie has (New York: Schocken Books paperback, 1993) one would a poem, what would you call blessed us all by turn ing pen to paper and creating it? (Feel free to use something from the contemporary Psalms that bridge the tradition with Weintraub, Simkha Y. Healing o( Soul. Healing o( an intimate. first perso n. contemporary voice. Her Body: Spiritual Leaders Un (old the Strength and Psalm or from outside it.) most recent book is call ed Flames to Heaven: New Psalms (or Healing and Praise (distributed by Solace in Psalms. (Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Independent Publishers Group: 1-800-888-4741.) Pub lis hing, 1994)

.5 A REMARKABLE CELEBRATION OF LIFE:

THE STORY OF A NEW HEALING RITE

By Rabbi Judith B. Edelstein

hen I learned that my new friend, Ina Safra, had been A printed program was distributed at the service, which included diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, my immediate the prayers interspersed among words to songs of healing , alternating Wimpulse was to comfort her. We met for dinner that with gift giving. The title page read "Healing Service and a Celebration week, and amidst corned beef and knishes our discussion centered of Life, Ina Safra." The service began with the mincha service led by around God. I can't recall what I said, but as Ina has often repeated, Rabbi Dan Alder of the Brotherhood synagogue. The rabbi emeritus, our conversation helped to revitalize her faith to deal with the Rabbi Block, who himselfhas been stricken with Parkinson's disease, shock of her circumstances, It was evident that she was spiritually spoke eloquently about the psalms, and Cantor Emeritus Diamond strengthened and prepared to fight against what lay ahead with chanted Psalm 23 with incredible pathos. enormous courage. Nearly a year after her first symptom appeared, I didn't know what to expect even after it began, feeling more like during which time she underwent grueling and extensive treatment, an emcee than a rabbi . At one point, the musician's playing and Ina was told that it would take a miracle to cure her. Yet she held singing of the song "Kol HaOlam Kulo" was so spirited that I jumped steadfast in her belief and remained undaunted. off the bima, grabbed people's hands, and we danced around until During one of our many conversations, I offhandedly asked her if the aisles were overflowing-a first in the history of the she would like me to lead a healing service for her. She was thrilled Brotherhood Synagogue! The "found gifts" provided Ina's closest with the idea and immediately began to plan the service. Despite my friends with the opportunity to publicly express what they valued in offer, I found that I wanted to postpone it. For the truth was that I her while Ina was well enough to absorb their love. One friend had spoken impulsively (as is my nature), never having led or even brought a candle in a small glass and described how the candle was attended such a service! Finally we decided to set a date for a couple symbolic of the miracle of Chanukah, which reminded her of the miracle of months later, geared to the outcome of another planned surgical of Ina's life. procedure. In the interim, each time we spoke, Ina grew more excited Indeed, the service was a remarkable celebration of Ina's life in about the service. ,which all 120 people present participated in Ina's healing, For the Her plans evolved from hosting a small group in her apartment to next several weeks she received calls and notes from the participants, having the service in the sanctuary of the Brotherhood Synagogue. describing how meaningful the service had been to them. The planning, Ina decided to invite everyone to whom she wanted to express her experiencing and reliving that afternoon has helped Ina immeasurably, appreciation. One day, she called to tell me she had made arrange­ Even now, she plays the tape of the service, looks at the photos and ments with a musician. A few days later, she informed me that a deli rereads the mail. dinner would follow the service. As the day grew closer, it became When I spontaneously blessed Ina at the culmination of the service, clearer to me that the focus of Ina's healing was her desire to celebrate singing the ancient words of the priestly blessing, "Yivarechecha life, I had to work hard at "letting go" of my own control of the healing Adonai, viyishmerecha ... ", I felt energy surging from my toes into my service, and together with her began to create a format for the service hands, It seemed as if the Spirit of Life leapt from my palms which itself. I suggested that she ask people to bring her "found gifts"­ were covering Ina's head, into her brain, caressing it, if only temporarily. items that reminded them of her, nothing specially purchased. She Even the voice that sang out from the depth of my soul sounded loved the idea and asked several of her closest friends to present her different to my ears that day, In blessing my beloved friend, my life with these gifts at her service. In addition they were to explain why was transformed. I understood through her illness and belief that the item reminded them of her, Ina chose various people to read the best we can do in our lives is to serve God. aloud several prayers which she selected from a healing booklet I had given her earlier. She had been reading these prayers daily. RABBI JUDITH B, EDELSTEIN is the spiritua//eader of Temple Hatikvah in Flanders, New Jersey ' ... ~ .. YY ..! ... ~... ~ ...... ~ ...~ ... ":: ...~ ... ~ .. ~... ~...... ~ ...~ ... ~ .. ~... ~ .. ~ .. ~ .. ~... ~ . THE NATIONAL CENTER Healing of Soul, Healing of Body, Spiritual Lea ders Unfold th e Strength and Solace in Psalms. Edited by Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, CSW (Jewish Lights 1994). A source of FOR JEWISH HEALING solace for those who are facing illness, as well as those who care for them. These Psalms and the would like to compile information inspiring commentaries that accompany them offer an anchor of spiritual support. about local Jewish healing prayer When The Body Hurts, The Soul Still Longs to Sing. A prayer booklet of heartfelt blessings for times of illness (written by Jewish laywomen). A loving gift for anyone services. If your healing center or needing spiritual uplift in the midst of illness. synagogue conducts regular With Healing on Its Wings. Masorti Publications, London. A healing collage of selections services, Write or fax our office. from the Shabbat and weekday liturgy, Genesis, Psalms, Talmud, medieval and contemporary Jewish literature. Please include all appropriate A Leader's Guide to Services and Pray ers of Healing. This helpful guide walks information plus a you through some of the central practical issues involved in planning and running a service of healing, whether it be free-standing or incorporated into a traditional service. Sample service included. contact phone number. Mi Sh eb erakh Card. This card has been artfully redesigned with a short introduction and full Hebrew text; it offers separate masculine and feminine transliteration accompanied by an English translation on an attractive fold-over card that is small enough to fit in your pocket. Evening and Morning: A Circle of Pray er. A beautiful bikkur holim gift, containing New (/llel Noteworthy traditional prayers to say at bedtime and upon awakening, transforming moments of anxiety into comfort and reassurance, and giving expression to vulnerability, fear, hope, and gratitude. Cardin. Rabbi Nina Beth. Tears o(Sorrow. Attractively designed prayer card includes introductions, original Hebrew, moving translations, and selected transliterations. Seeds o( Hope: AJe wish Spiritual Companion (or The Laws of Life: A Guide to Traditional Jewish Practice at Times In(ertility and Pregnancy Loss. (Woodstock, VT: of Bereavement.Masorti Publications together with the New North London Jewish Lights, 1999) Synagogue. In the midst of bewilderment and grief there are often difficult responsibilities to be met. This sensitive booklet helps mourners, family, and friends cope with practical Diamant. Anita. Saying Kaddish: How to arrangements and learn about the insights and structures that Judaism has to offer. Comfort the Dying, Bury the Dead, and Mourn Quantity Cost as aJew. (New York: Schocken Books, 1998) !!l!.l!.!!!!'8..l!f.~~ .'!.~~.!!~~P~R..f!f!!.o.~y...... ~~~:.~~.~~~~ ...... Freeman. Dr. David. Ed. and Rabbi Judith .~~.~~.!.~~.!!.O'~Y..!!:.'!.r:.~~.: : ...... ~~: ~.~.. ~.~.~.~: ...... Z. Abrams. Iflness and Health in the Jewish *10+ $3.25 ea. * 50+ $2.75 ea. Tradition: Writings (rom the Bible to Today. (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1999) .~!.0..!!:~~.~~~.8..O'~.!.~~.. ~!.~8.~ ...... ~~~:?~.. ~.~.~.~ ......

~.I!.c:':~~r:.'.~ ..C?'!.~~.l! .. ~O'.~.f!.r:.l!.~~I!.~:: ...... ~~: ~.~.. ~.~.~.~ ...... 'TShuvah/Repentance, T'fillah/Prayer and Tz \:takah/Righteousness M:!.§.~~.?~r:.l!.!0.. c;.l!.r:.~ ...... ~~.. ~.~.. ~?~.~ ...... *10+ $.75 ea. may avert the severity of the decree." *25+ $.50 ea. *100+ $.30 ea. So we say, so we pray on the High Holidays: that our actions can, indeed, influence our suffering­ ~ ..q!~!.f! .. f!ff..r:.qY..I!.r:...... ~.~:.~.~.. ~.~~.~ ...... *50+ $150 ea. at least in terms of how we approach it, relate *100+ $125 ea. to it, manage it, use it. *1000+ $100 ea. In this issue, we touch on T'shuvah and T'{if/ah, ."!.~.l!.~.c:':~~.l!f!:.if..~ ...... ~.~ :.~.~.~~~.~ ...... seeking to build a bridge between these central Jewish ideas and practices and those who are .~.~~~~.~.. ~.~.~.~p.~.~Y.. .~.~.~i~.i.?~~l.. ~.?~::.~~~.~~?~ .. ?~: ...... confronted with illness and loss. IMPORTANT NOTICE: ALL CHECKS FOR DONATIONS AND/OR RESOURCES Total When it comes to Tz'dakah-which comes from MUST NOW BE MADE PAYABLE TO JBFCS/NCJ H. the word for Justice but is used for "philanthropy"­ Please send order to: we need you. Please use the enclosed envelope NAME: to make a contribution in honor of the New THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR JEWISH HEALING Jewish Year of 5760, helping us in our growing ADDRESS: c/o JBFCS and deepening efforts. May it bring you health, 850 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1201 CITY: STATE: Z IP: happiness, peace, and fulfillment. New York, New York 10019 -SYW phone 212-399-2320 PHONE: FAX: fax 212-399-2475

7 The National Center for Jewish Healing is pleased to inform you of several UPCOMING CONFERENCES Fall/Winter 1999-2000

?;JoY' @le,'gy, &teah/" @are fYro/essionals, M alb is and @an /ors &tealing @enler efialf and Q)oiunleers NEW YORK CITY: NOVEMBER 30, 1999 When a Child Dies: Helping the Rabbi Help NEW YORK CITY: NOVEMBER 7, 8-9, 10, 1999 A one-day symposium for those who provide spiritual 12th Annual Bikur Cholim Conference support within a congregational setting, Sunday, November 7 Co-sponsored by The New York Jewish Healing Center' and The Jewish Sponsored by The Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Institute for Pastoral Care of the Health Care Chaplaincy in partnership with Bikur Cholim Coordinating CounciJ* the New York Board of Rabbis and UJA-Federation ofNew York

Sustaining Our Spirits: Jewish Spiritual Support Groups PARKSVILLE, NY: NOVEMBER 12-14, 1999 A 2-Day Intensive Training for Co-facilitators JACS Spiritual Retreat Monday & Tuesday, November 8 & 9 Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Sponsored by The National Center for Jewish Healing' in Persons & Significant Others* collaboration with the AJFCA tl

For more information, please call (212) 399-2320 Ext. 0 • A Jewish Connections Program ofJBFCS

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