Editor
s Letter
•

jam

A Journey Of Healing

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ver the years, synagogues in America have tried
to recondition themselves to remain relevant,
approachable and vibrant. But at their core, they
remain a house of healing — of body and mind. Successful
ones heal through rabbinic counseling, congregational pro-
grams and shared experiences. Synagogues that flounder
typically don't emphasize this basic
service, so necessary yet often elusive.
This thought bubbled up as
Rabbi Herb Yoskowitz outlined the
Physicians' Journey Group that has
caught fire at Adat Shalom Synagogue.
The program is rooted in the challenge
of involving physicians in synagogue
life. It derives from the belief that
professional demands shouldn't stop
a Jewish physician from being what
the rabbi calls "synagogue connected:'
By intent, I'm skeptical of such catch
phrases. I need to be convinced they have traction in the hal-
lowed halls of a synagogue.
In a position paper, Rabbi Yoskowitz, a bioethicist by train-
ing, set the target simply: "The scheduling demands of spe-
cific professions should challenge Jewish community profes-
sionals to intensify their outreach."
Two years ago, he sought to move Adat Shalom beyond
organizing groups by age or gender, which still serve a pur-
pose. He sought also to embrace group dynamics built around
interests or professions regardless of age or gender.
Thus was born three journey groups under the synagogue's
adult education umbrella: cultural interests, physicians and
the newest, attorneys. A journey group is nurtured in the
synagogue but casts a programming web as far
as the imagination of its membership.

and insights. As I reviewed the group's first year, it became
clear that many specialties would get their moment in the
spotlight. The broader discussion couldn't help but expand
the medical philosophy and knowledge of the men and
women in whom we entrust our lives.

Unlimited Path
There hasn't been a monolithic Jewish hospital in Metro
Detroit since Sinai Hospital closed in 1999. Many Jewish doc-
tors now are in solo practice or in practices with staff of var-
ied cultural or religious backgrounds. So what Adat Shalom is
doing to bring medical practitioners together to compare and
contrast experiences from a Jewish perspective seems ripe
with potential.
Physicians eager to stay sharp, probing and inspired take
part in these kinds of collegial discussions and debates regu-
larly. So Adat Shalom hasn't broken new ground. But what
the synagogue setting offers is a chance to invite Jewish and
halachic questions. There must be benefit in knowing how
Judaism sees specific aspects of the practice of medicine and
the differences in viewpoint of our religion's major streams,
opaque as some answers might seem.
Some of the future topics I've heard for the Physicians'
Journey Group don't sound like they would be fodder for hos-
pital-based conferences: Should Holocaust medical experi-
mentation be used? How should we care for disadvantaged
Jews at home and abroad? What is the underlying historical
attraction of medicine as a career for Jews?

Staying Relevant
There's certainly a wealth of teaching talent at Adat Shalom.
Attracting a wide representation of the synagogue physician
membership is key to keeping the Physicians'
Journey Group sessions humming.
Jeffrey Devries, M.D., is vice president of med-
Far-Reaching
ical affairs at Children's Hospital of Michigan
The Physicians' Journey Group intrigued me
in Detroit and widely respected in the Detroit
because of its fascination with Jewish as well
Jewish community. Affirming the Physicians'
as medical ethics. Its goal is to bring together
Journey Group work ethic, he said: "The ability
the 160 physician members of the Farmington
to listen to various points of view in both medi-
Hills synagogue. The pursuit of instructive, use-
cal and halachic thought has been eye-opening
ful subject matter at four annual presentations
and thought-provoking."
that would attract and resonate for a 28-year-old
Will lives be saved as a result of interaction
resident, a 40-year-old internist and a 65-year-
among participants in the Physicians' Journey
old chief of staff, for example, is impressive.
Rabbi Yoskowitz
Group? Probably so. That validates the group,
But it also seems daunting.
giving it real texture and meaning. My guess is
The thrust is to be learning and camaraderie,
that members walk away more confident, knowl-
not just schmoozing. The format is to be dialogue, not lecture. edgeable and hope-filled.
Jewish sources, from rabbinic to biblical to modern times, are
So the Physicians' Journey Group clearly matters. Time will
to be highlighted. This opportunity to study traditional texts
tell to what degree.
and how they impact medical decision making central to the
Other synagogues likely would find journey groups worth
profession today — everything from brain death to organ
adapting. The beauty of such initiatives lies in their boundless
transplantation — certainly can't be discounted.
range of topics. II
Last year's topics ranged from life and death decisions to
stem cell and neuro-regenerative research. A Shabbat dinner
program on "Jews and Medicine: Why So Many and Why So
Good" drew 350 people. Physicians who attended got continu- 0
What journey group topics would be
ing medical education credit.
w right for your synagogue?
This year's topics spotlight the ethics of enhancement
z z
whether driven by looks, performance or age.
5 0 How well do your fellow congregants
Imagine the lifesaving and life-enriching potential of what
CL really know one another?
is gleaned by the group at this Jewish interchange of ideas

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January 18 2007

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