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.

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