As the impact of the economic downturn affects the Milwaukee Jewish community, one of the casualties, announced in February 2009, was funding for the Jewish Chaplaincy Program, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation with support from Jewish Family Services.
But many of the services provided through the Chaplaincy Program will continue to be available to the community, with some modifications, according to Milwaukee Jewish Federation Planning Director Sheryl Primakow, who oversaw the Chaplaincy Program.
One of Chaplaincy’s best known activities has been the Special Needs Holiday Program, serving individuals with mental illness, developmental and physical disabilities, and dementia from nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group and individual homes including private and Jewish community housing.
For seven Jewish holidays and one concluding picnic program in the summer, participants gather for a religious service, discussion, singing, dance and a holiday meal donated and prepared by the sisterhoods of various local congregations.
“This program meets a critical need for Jewish spirituality and continuity in a population that usually does not have synagogue affiliation,” said Primakow.
“I’m pleased to announce that two anonymous donors have come forward, each with a gift of $10,000, to enable the program to continue.”
The continuing Special Needs Holiday Program will be run by staff of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. “We believe this program fits perfectly with the spirit and goals of our organization: to inspire Jewish journeys and build Jewish community,” said JCC Executive Director Mark Shapiro.
Local resources will address the core activity of the Jewish Chaplaincy Program, one-on-one visitation to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.
“Although the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis is concerned about having all of the needs met that the Chaplaincy department filled, the mitzvah of bikkur cholim, of visiting the sick, is one of the central mitzvot to our lives as Jews,” said Wisconsin Council of Rabbis President Shari Shamah.
“Visiting members of their congregations in the hospital and in other health care settings is a responsibility that congregational rabbis have always taken very seriously and is something that will continue to be a part of their sacred work within their congregations.
“While we regret that the economic downturn has made it impossible to continue funding for a formal chaplaincy program, it is gratifying to note that many of the key services of that program will continue to be available to support our local Jewish community,” Primakow said.
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