A Dignified Death: “Last Flight Home”

Acclaimed Sundance award-winning filmmaker Ondi Timoner and her sister, Rabbi Rachel Timoner of Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn discuss “Last Flight Home” — a new documentary film capturing their father Eli’s journey toward death with dignity … its meaning for multiple generations of his family … and its lessons for us all. Exit Strategy Host […].... READ STORY

Grief and Memory Born of Tragedy: 9/11

We all have our personal stories from September 11, 2001. Where we were. Who we knew. What we did. How we felt. And now, 21 years later, how we still process the loss and grief of that tragic day. In a very personal episode of Exit Strategy, FDNY Chaplain Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and former FDNY […].... READ STORY

Making Sense of “Stuff”: Filmmaker Judith Helfand

In an emotionally raw film, Love & Stuff, Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Judith Helfand shares the intimate process of going through her mother’s possessions after her death … and reveals generational attachments and relational truths — at once singular and universal. Exit Strategy Host Stephanie Garry speaks to Judith about her journey through her mother’s “stuff,” […].... READ STORY

After a Suicide, Grief and Growth: Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner

In 1996, at age 36, Rabbi Gabriel Kirshner died by suicide. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Exit Strategy Host Stephanie Garry speaks with Gabriel’s younger brother, Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner of Temple Emanu-El in Closter, NJ, about the grief and aftermath of this tragic loss — and the responsibility of the […].... READ STORY

Common Death, Uncommon Cultures: Dean Foster

Death is the common denominator — no matter our skin color, our age, our religion. But across cultures, there are differences in traditions surrounding death and how it’s marked and respected … from Tibetan sky burials, to the Pyres of Varanasi, to Ghana’s fantasy coffins. Dean Foster is the founder of DFA Intercultural Global Solutions […].... READ STORY

Palliative Care, and Why You Need to Know About It: Dr. Diane Meier and Rabbi Dr. Edith Meyerson

Palliative care is growing as a movement to maximize quality of life for those with serious illness. Yet to many, the concept and reality of palliative care is unclear or unknown. Dr. Diane Meier — Founder and Director Emerita of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) — and Rabbi Dr. Edith Meyerson — Director […].... READ STORY

Talking to Our Children about Uvalde, and Other Tragedies: Rabbi Ben Spratt

The tragedy in Uvalde and other massacres are generating immeasurable stress, fear, and anxiety among our children. As they turn to us, the adults in their lives, for answers …what can we do and say to steady and assure them in a world of unpredictable and often horrific realities? Rabbi Ben Spratt of Congregation Rodeph […].... READ STORY

Clergy as Caretaker: Rabbi David Wolpe

During his 25 years at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, Rabbi David Wolpe has become a respected thinker of national and global influence on end-of-life issues … and how at times of challenge, grief, and loss, our clergy are often our spiritual caretakers, leading us through uncertain and often unwelcome journeys. In a wide-ranging conversation […].... READ STORY

Exit Strategy -Trailer Episode

What’s one thing we’re all good at? How about not talking — or even thinking — about end-of-life issues. Stephanie Garry is Executive Vice President at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel in NYC and she spends lots of time talking about them. So once a month — here at Exit Strategy — Stephanie and her guests […].... READ STORY