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.

STARS

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