This Friday, December 8th, Plaza board member Howard Sharfstein, What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life program director, Sally Kaplan, Rabbi Marion Lev-Cohen of Central Synagogue and Stephanie Garry will be presenting with “The Conversation Project” at the 2017 URJ Biennial in Boston. They will join thousands from across North America and around the world at the URJ flagship conference, and for the first time, Plaza and What Matters will be on a national stage!
As URJ website states: “Every two years Reform Jews gather at the URJ Biennial, to totally immerse themselves in Judaism, taking time to explore synagogue life and gather new ideas; study with scholars and celebrate with friends.” “Plaza is proud to be represented here and to have the opportunity to present the What Matters program at such a distinguished event”, said Stephanie Garry.
What Matters is a collaboration between JCC Manhattan, The New Jewish Home, and the Center for Pastoral Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary, made possible through grants from Plaza Jewish Community Chapel (Founding funder and partner) and UJA Federation of New York. Its purpose is to foster open and honest conversations within the Jewish community regarding end of life issues. It facilitates one-on-one conversations, provides innovative programming, and trains and certifies a network of volunteers in a variety of Jewish settings. This program gives more New York adults, across the spectrum of Jewish religious observance, the opportunity to learn about, discuss with family and friends, and complete advanced care planning directives with access to Jewish wisdom.
The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. The Conversation Project began in 2010, when Ellen Goodman and a group of colleagues and concerned media, clergy, and medical professionals gathered to share stories of “good deaths” and “bad deaths” within their own circle of loved ones. Seven plus years later, this organization continues to be at the forefront of this important initiative
The Conference is sold out, but you can watch live via webcast!
Click here for URJ Biennial Live Streaming
(Unfortunately, our event is not being broadcast, but there is plenty of great things to watch!)
Categories: Latest News & Press