Jewish Chaplaincy Services: Compassionate support in difficult times with Rabbi Rick Brody

Rabbi Rick Brody

Recently, I received an urgent call from an individual who had a parent in the final stages of life. The medical team was withdrawing life support, focusing solely on comfort care. While not a member of a synagogue, they felt an overwhelming need to speak with a rabbi. 

This person was grappling with intense anxiety about their parent’s condition and needed a compassionate ear, someone to help process the emotional turmoil. Underlying this was a desire, perhaps not even fully conscious, for Jewish support for their loved one. 

My role as JFS Community Chaplain became one of providing comfort and connection. I listened intently, validating their feelings and empathizing with their powerlessness, especially being far from their parent's side. As they spoke, a sense of calm began to emerge. Simply being heard brought a measure of solace. 

A palpable sense of hope entered their voice when I asked about getting a rabbi to their parent’s bedside. Thanks to my involvement with the Community Chaplain Forum, organized by Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, I have a network of colleagues across the country. I immediately contacted a fellow chaplain near their parent’s city.  

Knowing that arrangements were being made and that they, too, were being cared for brought the individual further comfort. They shared that their parent had a strong connection with a synagogue and its retired rabbi. As we spoke, I texted my colleague, who quickly reached out to the rabbi. I assured the person that if the local rabbi were unavailable, my colleague or I would facilitate a virtual visit, drawing on my experience with remote chaplaincy during the pandemic. 

Minutes after our call, my colleague confirmed he'd connected with the rabbi, who was on his way to the hospital. This experience reinforced the profound impact of compassionate listening, connection, and the power of community chaplaincy in times of crisis. 

 Learn more about the JFS Baskin Community Chaplaincy services.