Spiritual and Practical Preparation for End of Life

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Spiritual and Practical Preparation for End of Life

Monthly on Sunday Afternoons
3:30-5:00 PM

Though most would agree in principle that it is important to talk about our needs and wishes as we approach the end of our lives, few actually have these conversations. This 8-part series offers the opportunity to explore both the practical and spiritual sides of preparing for death in a safe and supportive space.

We will study Jewish traditions around death, dying, and mourning, share our wishes for end-of-life care and funeral planning, and hopefully find ways to articulate our values and the moral legacy we hope to pass on to those we love.

The class will meet monthly on Sunday afternoons, from 3:30-5 p.m. at CBE starting on Sunday, October 19. You can sign up for all or as many of the sessions as you can attend.

* First Name

* Last Name

* Email

Select each session you plan to attend

Session 1 | October 19:

Session 1 | October 19: Jewish Traditions around End of Life – Introductions and Goal Setting

-Key Terms and Practices

Session 2 | November 9
Session 2 | November 9 Jewish Views of Death, Dying, and Beyond
-Exploration of classical and contemporary sources

Session 3 | December 14
Session 3 | December 14Advanced Care Decision-Making (Guest Speaker – Rabbi Melanie Levav of the Shomer Collective)
-How do I crystallize and delegate my wishes for life and death before I am unable to communicate them myself?

Session 4 | January 11
Session 4 | January 11Getting Your Affairs in Order (Guest Speaker – CBE member Attorney Inna White)
-How do I compile all of my important documents, electronic footprint, and materials in a way that my advocates can access easily?

Session 5 | February 8
Session 5 | February 8Crafting an Ethical Will
-What are the values and moral legacy I hope to pass on to the people who matter most to me?

Session 6 | March 8
Session 6 | March 8Preparing for a Funeral (Guest Speaker – Stephanie Garry, Executive Vice President of Communal Partnerships, Plaza Jewish Community Chapel)
-What kind of funeral do I want? How do I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?

Session 7 | April 12
Session 7 | April 12What Happens Next?
-Jewish practices following death & the Chevre Kadisha

Session 8 | May 17
Session 8 | May 17
Mourning Practices in the First Year (from Burial to Unveiling)
-Wrapping Up/Closing ritual

Fri, October 10 2025 18 Tishrei 5786