Obituary writing is an art, capturing not only the facts of a life, but also an individual’s singular essence and legacy. So how do we ensure an obituary is well informed and properly nuanced? Should we consider writing our own … even as a form of self-reflection and examination? Andrew Silow-Carroll — editor-at-large at New […]

The post Reflections of an Obituary Writer appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

When Plaza Jewish Community Chapel opened in 2001, it immediately began to elevate conversations on end-of-life issues and practices, and to create partnerships strengthening the fabric of Jewish life and observance in New York City and beyond. In this special anniversary episode, Exit Strategy Host Stephanie Garry speaks with B’nai Jeshurun Senior Rabbi and Rosh […]

The post Plaza@25: Building, Honoring and Serving Community appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

As a young boy during WWII, Sami Steigmann spent three years in a Nazi labor camp at Mogilev-Podolsky, in the Transnistria region of Ukraine. Now living in New York, he devotes himself to telling his story and sharing his practice of resilience — and embrace of life. Marking Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day — […]

The post A Holocaust Survivor’s Legacy of Life appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

For those raised outside of the Jewish faith, learning about Jewish traditions — including those surrounding end-of-life — is key to nourishing interfaith relationships, and also to advancing the conversion process. Fifteen years ago, Rabbi Lisa Rubin joined Central Synagogue in New York City and established the Center for Exploring Judaism, a structured space for […]

The post Raised Outside Jewish Faith, Now Learning Jewish End-of-Life Traditions appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel opened in 2021 with a nonprofit model elevating dignity, affordability, and education on end-of-life issues, and over a quarter century has become rooted in New York City and beyond as a dynamic mainstay of Jewish communal life and service. In this special episode — as Plaza moves towards its 25th anniversary […]

The post Plaza@25: The Vision and The Impact appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

Telling our stories — and listening to those of others — connects us through common journeys, often difficult ones, grief included. In a new, bestselling anthology about the Jewish experience post-October 7 — On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates — Zibby Owens, a prominent author, publisher and podcaster, brings together diverse voices […]

The post Storytelling, on the Path through Grief appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

In Pacific Palisades, in the midst of the overwhelming destruction and grief wrought by the January infernos, Kehillat Israel (KI) stands and endures as a symbol and beacon of hope and renewal. Rabbi Daniel Sher — who lost his home along with hundreds of other KI congregants — speaks just weeks after the fires with […]

The post After the Devastating Fires, The Jewish Roadmap Forward appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

Living through or witnessing devastation and loss — such as that caused by fires in Los Angeles, or war in Israel — generates levels of stress, trauma and grief. Embracing and practicing hope and resilience is critical for our emotional and physical health, says Dr. Eva Selhub — a prominent expert and writer on human […]

The post Facing Challenge, the Power of Resilience appeared first on Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.