Learning about Jews and Judaism
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) in conjunction with the Healthcare Chaplaincy Council of Victoria Inc (HCCVI) has coordinated an information day for seventeen hospital pastoral care coordinators to enhance their knowledge of Judaism and the Jewish community.
Interfaith group
The objective of the day was for the non-Jewish pastoral coordinators to gain a better understanding of Jews, Judaism and the needs of Jewish patients.
The group visited:
- the Jewish Museum of Australia where they learned about Jewish history and the Jewish experience in Australia,
- St Kilda Hebrew Congregation with Rabbi Glasman explaining about the Torah, the commandments, the Talmud and the Synagogue,
- Melbourne Chevra Kadisha with Ephraim Finch explaining many Jewish specific considerations for pastoral carers,
- had lunch at Glicks,
- the Mikvah Chaya Moushka Schneerson with a very popular discussion on spirituality and the Mikvah with Timmy Rubin, and
- the Jewish Holocaust Centre featuring a emotional tour and presentation.
The day finished with an informative Q&A panel session with Jewish pastoral carers and Rabbonim from Orthodox, Conservative and Progressive backgrounds at the Lamm Jewish Library.
The participants on the day actively took notes, asked many questions and were keen to learn more. They were given brochures on providing Pastoral Care for Jewish patients prepared by the JCCV Pastoral Care Working Group as well as the new JCCV Jewish Festivals booklet.
Nina Bassat AM, President of the JCCV said, “the day allowed the pastoral care workers to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the needs of Jewish patients. All of whom I spoke saw this as a very valuable undertaking.”
