Providing comfort when it’s needed most

The JFS Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy program, led by Rabbi Rick, focuses on providing direct spiritual care, comfort, and counseling to unaffiliated Jews in the greater Denver area and beyond who are ill, in crisis or near the end of their lives. For one family, Rabbi Rick’s outreach during two difficult times meant the world to them, and Charni shared their story below.

“I really don’t know where to start in my gratitude for the outreach services that Jewish Family Service provides. Three years ago, my older brother died suddenly out of the country. It was devastating to my family and, as you can imagine, one of the worst days of our lives. What was even harder was that I had to go and tell my 94-year-old mother, who was living in assisted living, the horrible news. I couldn’t take my mother to Costa Rica, where my brother lived, for his funeral, so it was difficult to come to terms with his death. I knew my mother was suffering, and I thought if I could have a Rabbi speak with her, maybe she could find some peace. 

I decided to call Jewish Family Service because I thought it would be a good place to start. I called just hoping that they could give me a name of a Rabbi or someone my mother could talk to. I was totally surprised when I was told that Rabbi Rick Brody was in his office, and he was available to speak with me. He was so gracious, and we set up a time for him to meet at my mother’s apartment. He spent about an hour with us. He spoke with my mother, prayed with her, and gave her so much comfort. She couldn’t believe that he came to visit her in her home. That was a blessing for us all.

Fast forward three years later. My now 97-year-old mother was dying, and we brought her home from the hospital so that she could die in her own place. We stayed by her side, talking to her and letting her know that she was not alone. I wanted to make sure that she was at peace. I then thought that maybe Rabbi Rick was still with Jewish Family Service. It was a Sunday, and my husband called to see if he was available. We were so happy and relieved when Rabbi Rick called us back and said he could be there soon. When he walked in the door, he remembered my mother and when he had been there last.

Although my mother was unresponsive by this time, Rabbi Rick spoke to her about dying, prayed with her, and comforted her for over an hour. I know that I keep on saying how much he comforted her, but I would be remiss if I didn't say how much he comforted my family and me. It was the most beautiful and personal service I had ever heard, and I knew deep down that my mother could hear him. At the end of his time with her, all of a sudden, my mother said, “Am I alive?” It made us all laugh and cry. We were so shocked because she hadn't communicated with us in a day, and that was the last thing she said. She died that night.

There are truly no words that would be sufficient to express how special it was to have Rabbi Rick come into our lives when we needed some spiritual guidance and comfort. I know in my heart that he was just what my mother needed (both times), and it gives me so much comfort that Jewish Family Service offers this service and has this special man in their organization.”

Learn more about the Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program and schedule an appointment with Rabbi Rick.