Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on September 21, 2022

While studying to become a rabbi at yeshiva, Rabbi Shlomie Deren probably wasnt aware that a set of strong lungs would be required.

The Pittsburgh native, who recently returned to his hometown, will test those lungs this High Holiday season as he walks a Rosh Hashanah route that includes UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian/ Montefiore Hospital and UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

If the travel by foot isnt enough for the rabbi, who served as the spiritual leader of Ezrath Israel Chabad in Ellenville, New York, before moving back to Pittsburgh, he also will blow the shofar during each of his visits as well as conduct brief services.

Get The Jewish Chronicle Weekly Edition by email and never miss our top storiesFree Sign Up

Deren is the director of Chabad of the Hospitals, a new organization under the auspices of Chabad of Western Pennsylvania. Led by Deren and his wife, Mushky Deren, Chabad of the Hospitals is new to Pittsburgh but not unique, according to the rabbi, who said it exists in other cities, sometimes under names like Chabad on Call.

Part of his plan includes getting board certified as a hospital chaplain, a process, Deren said, that includes a year of education, as well as a certain number of volunteer hours spent with patients.

When a Jewish person is in the hospital, primarily patients but also staff, were going to be available to help them with their spiritual, religious and emotional needs, he said.

The idea, he said, came about during a conversation with Rev. Gaea Thompson, the manager of pastoral care at Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital.

When I mentioned I wanted to offer a Rosh Hashanah service, she jumped on the idea, he said. Not only that, but she emailed chaplains from the other UPMC hospitals to let them know about the idea. That got the ball rolling.

Patients unable to attend the service can contact the chaplain on duty and request that the rabbi visit them in their room.

The Rosh Hashanah hospital visits are the start of outreach for the rabbi who plans on growing the organization, both organically and through the help of other Jewish organizations, like Bikur Cholim of Pittsburgh and its director, Nina Butler.

Ive been working with her, sending people to her; shes been sending people to me, he said. Were working together to let people that are coming from out of town know whats available. If youre in the hospital and you need help, well do whatever we can to meet your needs.

Butler, Deren said, has helped him spread the word beyond the UPMC hospitals.

She mentioned that she knew the names of some Jewish patients at West Penn, so I contacted them and added them to the list, he said.

Growing up, I always was inspired by the spirit of chesed (kindness) and caring I saw in the Pittsburgh Jewish community, Deren said. I find a lot of meaning and support and comfort in the teachings of Judaism. When people are in the hospital, thats the time they need that support. Im excited to share what Judaism has to offer in a way Im sure will be appreciated by people.

He plans on continuing his chaplain training after the High Holidays and expanding the reach of Chabad of the Hospitals.

If Derens lungs and feet hold out, he plans to visit Magee Womens Hospital at 11:30 a.m.; Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital at 12:45 p.m.; Childrens Hospital at 2:45 p.m.; and Shadyside Hospital at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26 and Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Those interested in scheduling an in-person visit with Deren can do so by emailing him at rabbi@chabadofthehospitals.com. PJC

David Rullo can be reached at drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Read the original here:

Chabad of the Hospitals to spread holiday cheer on Rosh Hashanah - thejewishchronicle.net

Category: Rabbi
Tags: