I just want to drop you this note to thank you once again for everything the Jewish Healing and Hospice Center and you have done for Lee and me.
The situation was incredibly sad when we took on Hospice X at the recommendation of Hospital Y. The nurse and contact we met at the hospital were very misleading and falsely reassuring to my brother and me when we accepted them as our hospice provider. We had no idea—the Hospital never told us—that there were options for alternative hospice providers, let alone Jewish providers. Our experience from the beginning was less than professional with them and I was constantly calling and reminding them to send medicine and nurses and a doctor. I had too many bad days and experiences with them to repeat.
I am so grateful for the loving care and support I received after I fired that hospice and hired the Jewish Healing and Hospice Center. I received the immediate love and support from you and the nurses I needed to help Lee pass gently, pain free and lovingly. But also as important, you provided the vital support for my brother and myself to be strong for Lee at the hardest part.
This experience has left me a changed man with a new perspective on life. As I told you, I am seeing things clearer and am more sensitized to the process of spiritual home hospice and the essential compassion people like Lee and I require at a difficult time. Your support subsequent to Lee's passing and the beautiful memorial you presided over has been a memory I will cherish forever. I look forward to getting involved with Jewish Healing Center as a tribute to Lee.

Michael Berman
Los Angeles

In August of 2010 I lost my mother, my single parent, my only family, and felt utter despair and complete hopelessness. Since day one, Rabbi Carla Howard has supported me through this unbearable time, giving me hope and providing me with tools to live my life and live with my grief. I cannot even describe how immensely she and the Jewish Healing Center have helped me see the light at the end of what was an infinitely dark tunnel. For someone to step up and just help you for the sake of helping without requiring anything in return has changed my life. I am forever indebted to the Jewish Healing Center; I do not think I would have made it without them.

Rachel Danielle Gutson
University Student

The Jewish Healing Center is enormously helpful to families in times of crisis. By aiding in the selection of proper caregivers, conferring with physicians and helping individual family members cope with a variety of problems as they arise, JHCLA serves as a bulwark against the unknown. The spiritual care that they provide is essential in granting those who are sick — and their families — access to Judaism's rich legacy of wisdom on healing and comfort.

Rabbi David Lieber, Ph. D. z"l
President Emeritus, American Jewish University

My friend B, who was as close to me as a sister, was in hospice with Rabbi Carla for three years. As a Clinical Social Worker who had done hospice work, I assumed I would think clearly, respond rationally and know what to say as my dear friend/"sister" and I faced her final days and hours of life. Rabbi Carla gave me the permission and support I needed to crumble. It was she who provided the wise words and solace for both my friend and me as we said our final good-byes.

Judith Rivin, L.C.S.W.

JHCLA is without a doubt one of the most important resources on which I rely for my oncology practice and I can highly recommend their array of services to all physicians.

Daniel Lieber, M.D.
Angeles Clinic and Research Institute

When we didn't know what to do for our ailing 98 year-old aunt, we once again called JHCLA, who had been there for our mother at the end of her life. They asked the right questions and put our minds at ease; they set up hospice service and followed our aunt with visits, calls and compassion. Twice they have been there for us and we would, without hesitation, call them again.

Carol and Gary Gleicher
Los Angeles

This past Friday, many of us gathered at the hospital to send healing prayers to "J", who remains in the ICU following her tragic accident, and to "M", in treatment for breast cancer. Certainly, I speak on behalf of all who attended when I report that this prayer circle was more moving than words could possibly describe.... Rabbi Carla's prayer for healing was incredibly impactful....
  Please know that all of us, those who were able to attend Friday and those who were not, are constantly sending thoughts of healing and recovery and strength to "J" and to "M", and your entire families. We are by your side.

The Morningstar Commission

Being fully present, reading poetry, telling a story, holding a hand, listening; these are some of the things I do when I visit a patient. Around ten years ago I began studying with Rabbi Carla Howard and became part of a group dedicated to visiting the sick. We visited patients in the hospital and in their homes. I continued studying and trained with a group at Santa Monica -UCLA Hospital on end of life or hospice care.
Sometimes I see a patient only once, sometimes several times and sometimes a relationship develops that is more long term. I am there to listen! The people I visit are artists, doctors, business owners, parents, grandparents, travelers and all have stories to tell. I listen!
I know that the people I visit give as much to me as they get and often, as Rabbi Howard says, “there is a question of who is healing whom?” Our Jewish tradition has many wise and wonderful things to say about healing; both in body and in spirit. It is a privilege to do the work of healing in this small way. I am grateful to Rabbi Howard for leading me on this path.

Bonita Selk, Pressman Academy teacher
MA in Jewish Education (American Jewish University) and recipient, Milken Family Foundation’s Jewish Educator’s Award

I can’t believe how simple this most difficult of moments was – one call and we were out of the hospital and home with my mom – everything was delivered as promised. What a gift you are to those of us in need.

Sarah H.