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:

“Engaged Hands” by Kenneth Lu. CC

Direct Pastoral Care

The Chaplain, Spiritual Care Volunteers and community clergy visit and counsel individuals and their families in times of personal crisis, often related to a health issue, an ailing relative or a death in the family. Visits are made in hospitals, eldercare centers, and homes. Often times, JFS is the only link for individuals that are otherwise unaffiliated, isolated and disconnected from Jewish life. Together we ensure the needs of the affiliated as well as the non-affiliated are met.

Community Chaplain

JFS clients have access to spiritual counseling when they need a connection to community and tradition. The Chaplain is available for community programs needing a spiritual component. Annually, JFS leads three community services focusing on comfort and peace for those in need.

Meet Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick, our Community Chaplain. If you know someone in need of spiritual care, contact us at 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 Spiritual Care Volunteers from nearly every area congregation. This group of dedicated lay people is an integral component of the Chaplaincy Program. Volunteers receive extensive training to work in the healthcare community serving the spiritual needs of patients in area hospitals and eldercare centers, providing connection and support. These volunteers graciously fulfill the mitzvah of “bikkur holim”, visiting the sick in the community. Volunteers are placed at seven area hospitals, seven eldercare centers, and one correctional facility.

Community clergy also participate in post-graduate Clinical Pastoral Education classes with the Community Chaplain.

Read more about Spiritual Care Volunteers.

Community Collaboration

Within the Health Care Community

The Community Chaplain serves as a valued consultant on specific cases, with respect to spiritual care for patients, residents, and families. The program is a vital educational resource for area health care institutions, helping them become more culturally sensitive to Jewish patients and their needs.

What a fantastic pleasure it was today to learn and listen … I hope we can continue to partner in serving the community in this part of life’s journey! – Bereavement Services Manager, VITAS Healthcare of Kansas

Within the Jewish Community

The program serves as a referral resource to facilitate connection with a patient’s rabbi/congregation, while respecting HIPAA laws. The Community Chaplain is available to congregational clergy as a consultant in specific cases, as well as to the entire Jewish Community as a resource on spiritual care issues.