JF&CS launches pilot program of ‘Conversation Project’

The Jewish Light’s Nov. 28 article “Having Dinner, Talking Death”(part of Editor Ellen Futterman’s News & Schmooze column) informs readers about the Conversation Project, a national initiative encouraging individuals to speak with their loved ones about their goals for end-of-life care.

We are so pleased the Light is spreading the word about this critical issue, since the stigma surrounding these conversations leaves many families in the dark until it is too late. That is why the chaplaincy team here at Jewish Family & Children’s Service, in partnership with VITAS Healthcare, launched a local pilot of based on The Conversation Project’s Starter Kit as well as introducing our own framework of Jewish values for end-of-life care over the past year.  As professional chaplains, the chaplains at JF&CS are trained to facilitate these important discussions in groups as well as individually.

During our 2018 pilot, we successfully engaged over 100 community members across the St. Louis area in a variety of venues from senior living centers to synagogues to NORC. The workshop empowers participants to evaluate their wishes in a safe and comfortable atmosphere while providing them with the tools to speak with their loved ones and express these wishes.

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We look forward to continuing and expanding this program in 2019 so that we can reach even more local families. We hope that you and your loved ones can join us. For more information, or to bring a conversation to your community, please contact me at [email protected] or 314-812-9342.  You can also look for our upcoming programs listed in the Jewish Light’s community calendar.

Rabbi Jessica Shafrin, Community Chaplain, Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Reader of another faith

I enjoy reading your newspaper each week and follow with interest events of the local Jewish community. I was raised in Olivette and Creve Coeur and attended grade school and high school in University City.

I was a boy scout in Troop 366 and was inspired and encouraged by some wonderful Jewish Scout leaders. Later, I played under Willie Schatzkammer in the JCCA orchestra. 

Besides teaching on the faculty of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, I am pastor of All Saints Catholic Church in University City. So, in a sense, I’ve come back home. Twice a year our parish hosts the University City Symphony Orchestra, the successor to the JCCA orchestra and, once a year, the orchestra dedicates its concert to Dr. Schatzkammer’s memory.

Rev. Michael John Witt, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary