Chaplaincy
Providing compassion and connection.
The Chaplaincy Program connects spiritually with Kansas City’s diverse Jewish community, providing support during difficult times. The breadth of spiritual services includes:
Direct Pastoral Care
The Chaplain, Spiritual Care Volunteers, and community clergy visit and counsel individuals and their families in times of personal crisis related to health issues, an ailing relative, or a death in the family. Visits are made in hospitals, eldercare centers, and homes. JFS serves those who are otherwise unaffiliated, isolated or disconnected from Jewish life. Together we ensure the needs of the community are met.
Community Chaplain
JFS clients have access to spiritual counseling. The Chaplain is available for programs providing the community with tradition and connection. JFS leads three annual community-wide Services of Spiritual Renewal focusing on comfort and peace for those in need.
Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick is JFS’s Community Chaplain.
Meet Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick, JFS’ Community Chaplain. If you know someone in need of spiritual care, please contact rabbi@jfskc.org.
“Tonight’s service was just perfect…your willingness to put in the time and effort to help others reach a level of healing no matter what their particular sorrow or issue may be.”
– Healing Service attendee
Education & Training
The Community Chaplain trains and oversees a team of Spiritual Care Volunteers from nearly every local congregation. This dedicated group is an integral component of the Chaplaincy program. Volunteers receive extensive training to serve the spiritual needs within the healthcare community, including patients in area hospitals and eldercare centers. They provide connection and support as they graciously fulfill the mitzvah of “bikkur cholim”, visiting the sick. Read more about Spiritual Care Volunteers.
Community Collaboration
Within the Health Care Community
The Community Chaplain serves as a valued consultant with respect to spiritual care for patients, residents, and families throughout the Kansas City area. The program is a vital educational resource for local healthcare institutions, helping them become more culturally sensitive to Jewish patients and their needs.
