End of Life Choices Explored at Temple Kol Ami in West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield is preparing to host an important community event on November 13 as Temple Kol Ami presents the second part of a two-part series titled “End of Life Choices: The Jewish Perspective.” This program addresses a sensitive topic that relates to everyone, according to event organizer Lee Schottenfels, a board member and active member of the congregation.

Leading the discussion will be Rabbi Natalie Shribman, now senior rabbi at Temple Kol Ami, and Rabbi Joseph Krakoff from the Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network. Together, they will delve into the history of end-of-life decision-making and explore current Jewish perspectives on this delicate subject.

Rabbi Shribman brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. Before taking on her current role, she served as a hospital chaplain in Wisconsin, specifically in the oncology and intensive care units, where she was deeply involved in end-of-life care. Her background positions her uniquely to shed light on this often-overlooked but critically important phase of life.

The initial event, held in September, featured information from a group called Compassion and Choices, which highlighted actionable plans for end-of-life care that families might face. Schottenfels felt inspired after attending their presentation, prompting him to organize these discussions at the temple. “It motivated me to want them to present to our temple family and stimulate a discussion about this issue,” he shared.

The upcoming event in November will particularly focus on hospice care and its connections to Jewish values. “In Judaism, it is essential to preserve life,” Rabbi Shribman explains, “yet living a compromised existence isn’t the same as living a full life.” She emphasizes how hospice can facilitate a peaceful transition during a difficult time, allowing individuals to experience their final days in comfort.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging population of congregants, and unexpected losses within the community have made the understanding of hospice care essential for all, even for those who may not have encountered these situations personally. “There’s not necessarily a Jewish way of dying,” Rabbi Shribman states, “but there are certain rituals one can do toward the end of their life when they realize that maybe they’re sick or maybe they’ve decided to stop various treatments that are keeping them alive.”

Temple Kol Ami’s event will also address the significance of power of attorney and advance directives. These legal documents are crucial for ensuring that a person’s wishes regarding medical care are respected, especially in times when they may not be able to communicate those wishes themselves.

The event will feature a Q&A session and will also be available for online participation via Zoom, making it accessible to a wider audience. “We’re going to have those important conversations about making sure you sit down with your loved ones and outlining your preferences if you get to be in a difficult situation,” says Rabbi Shribman. This way, individuals can alleviate the burden on their families during stressful times.

Join Temple Kol Ami on November 13 at 7 p.m. for “End of Life Choices: The Jewish Perspective.” The event will take place at 5085 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield and is free for both members and non-members. More information is available at the temple’s website.