DECEMBER 23 • 2021 | 13
T
he diagnosis of a severe or life-threatening
illness can be overwhelming. Since 1999,
Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network
(JHCN) has helped thousands of Detroit-area
Jewish patients and their families cope with spiritual
and medical needs during a vulnerable time. With
the commitment that “No Jew Is Alone,” Jewish
Hospice has provided spiritual guidance, medical
coordination and, more recently, life enrichment to
those with severe and terminal illnesses.
The idea for a Jewish hospice originated when
David Techner, funeral director of Ira Kaufman
Chapel, was serving as the only Jewish member
of the Hospice of Michigan board. Hospice of
Michigan was starting to work with more Jewish
families and asked Techner to recommend a rabbi
who could assist them. He recommended Rabbi E.
B. “Bunny” Freedman, who began working with
Hospice of Michigan.
The hospice movement was growing in the late
1980s and early 1990s, but it had a Christian orien-
tation, Freedman explains. “There was nothing for
Jewish people. At the end of life, people start con-
templating spiritual issues.”
Techner saw “a gap and need,” and Freedman
responded by developing a program for Jewish
patients at Hospice of Michigan.
Over time, Freedman began helping other hospice
organizations with Jewish patients and decided that
the Jewish community should organize its own hos-
pice services. It began with a “soft start” in 1989-90,
he says. Then, in 1991, a nonprofit organization was
established to provide supportive and spiritual care
to Jewish patients and families. Jewish Hospice is
not a medical hospice but has strong connections
with medical hospices, home health agencies, and a
variety of other medical and supportive services.
AN ARRAY OF SERVICES
“With one phone call, a patient or family member
can access a basket of services. Natalie Rosenfield,
director of patient care, will help them find a hos-
pice that will do a medical assessment. A rabbi will
visit within 72 hours, unless declined. Patients are
asked if there is a rabbi in their lives and, if so, we
provide backup, if desired,” explains Rabbi Joseph
“Joey” Krakoff, senior director at JHCN.
“JHCN helps with end-of-life conversations and
surrounds people with love,” he says.
In addition, the staff helps with management of
Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy
expands services to enrich life
and help the bereaved.
SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
JERRY ZOLYNSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
Rabbi Joey
Krakoff and
Gladys Sampson
hold hands.
continued on page 14