LIFECYCLE SUPPORT FROM PAS

B’RUKHIM HABA’IM (WELCOMING)

B’rukhim Haba’im welcomes the next generation into the Park Avenue Synagogue community. The congregation supports families at a time that brings both joy and stress. Our volunteers contact families following the birth of a new child to wish a mazel tov, invite the family to be our guest at a future Young Family Shabbat Dinner, provide guidance and counsel to new parents, and foster relationships within PAS.

KIDDUSHIN (MARRIAGE)

Building a successful marriage requires love, work, dedication, and time. Beyond helping couples prepare for a Jewish wedding ceremony, we provide opportunities for learning and engagement to discuss topics such as effective communication, conflict resolution, financial management, Jewish genetic diseases, and how to build a Jewish home.

BIKUR CHOLIM (COPING WITH ILLNESS)

Bikur Cholim volunteers support members of the community dealing with serious illness, injuries, or issues of continuing care. We also provide support for seniors, individuals in need of long-term care, and members with short-term disabilities. Our committee can assist with practical aspects of a situation as well as give emotional support. We arrange for holiday care packages and Shabbat meals, send friendly visitors, and can help with transportation to medical appointments. Through our relationship with DOROT we provide a licensed social worker specifically for seniors and their caregivers. A caregiver support group provides a place to share experiences and exchange essential resources with others.

If you would like to be contacted by one of our caring, dedicated volunteers, or know someone who might benefit from the committee’s attention, please contact the rabbi's office at 212-369-2600, x120.

MISHEBEIRAKH (PRAYERS FOR HEALING)

We include the names of family and friends in need of healing in the mishebeirakh prayer said during the Torah service. To add a name – your own or someone else's – to the list, please call Allen Paisner at 212-369-4900, x102 or email him at apaisner@pasyn.org.

NECHAMA (BEREAVEMENT)

Nechama volunteers, at the request of the clergy and with the mourner’s approval, contact congregants who have experienced the loss of a family member. We provide support during shiva, and in many ways, let the bereaved know that we are thinking of them. Our licensed social worker from JBFCS can provide bereavement care along with support groups and holiday programs for people who have recently lost loved ones.

SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/SUPPORT GROUPS

We sponsor programs that meet the needs of community members at every stage of life. These opportunities range from an expectant mom circle to workshops on raising children, from seminars on hospice and palliative care to support groups for individuals facing challenging transitions.

For more information about any of these programs or to volunteer, please contact Rabbi Neil Zuckerman at caring@pasyn.org.