Jewish Healing Program

The Jewish Healing Program offers chizuk - strength and support - to Jews who are dealing with pain, illness, loss, despair and isolation. It provides a way of understanding and dealing with the reality of an individual's particular situation. Drawing on Judaism's spiritual richness, the program's goal is to provide a sense of comfort and support, using a wide range of activities including prayer, meditation, Jewish rituals and textual study.

Kol HaOlam Kulo, Gesher Tzar M'od
The Entire World is Like a Narrow Bridge

Many Jews tend to believe that we can deal with almost any tragedy, any crisis, as long as we believe that we have not been abandoned by the Almighty. The feeling that G-d cares about you can give you tremendous spiritual strength. And with spiritual strength one can cope with or overcome virtually any physical circumstance. Our tradition teaches that the entire world is like a narrow bridge, and that the most important thing is not to be afraid to continue forward on our journey. Judaism stresses that we must all play an active role in healing ourselves, our community, and the world around us.

The Program recognizes that healing is different for each person. A spiritual approach to healing is not locked into particular formulae. It considers not only physical needs, but also mental, emotional and spiritual orientation.

The Jewish Healing Program can provide connection to and identification with the Jewish community. Our facilitators are sensitive to meeting the needs of the individual, utilizing Jewish religious and spiritual traditions. They include health care professionals, spiritual leaders, and laypeople from a wide variety of practices.

What can we offer?

spiritual support groups for individuals coping with physical illness and/or emotional distress
healing services
educational presentations
Rabbinic consultation and counselling

How to access the Jewish Healing Program
The Jewish Healing Program is open to any Jewish individual, and is connected with the entire Jewish community. It focuses on addressing human needs through the lens that Judaism can offer. The program is not a substitute for medical or alternative health treatment.

For more information, contact the Coordinator of Chaplaincy Services at 416 638-7800 ext 287.