Hospital Chaplains Offer Support in Stressful Times

Not everyone Rabbi Rachel Hersh visits as a hospital chaplain is seeking spiritual healing, advice, or prayer.

But, in some cases, many patients don’t know what a hospital chaplain is or realize how healing a visit from a hospital chaplain can be. This was the case recently for a young woman in Suburban Hospital – an accomplished professional who seemingly had it all together as she received a series of difficult treatments.

“As soon as I started saying the prayer, the tears just started pouring down her face,” Rachel said. “It gives you a window into how much emotion people are carrying and how vulnerable they may feel in the hospital.”

Rachel is JSSA’s Director of Jewish Enrichment & Engagement, supporting several aspects of JSSA’s work from diversity, equity, and inclusion to mental health support. She also oversees the hospital chaplaincy program. JSSA has a team of 10 hospital chaplains who serve patients in hospitals in the National Capital Region. They are available for spiritual support for patients and families during what can be their most stressful moments.

The most important thing for hospital chaplains to do, is to be available, Rachel said.

“Sometimes we’ll get a specific request for a hospital visit from a patient or a rabbi in the community,” Rachel said. “Sometimes we knock on doors to check in and see how things are going”

Conversations with hospital patients do not always center around religion and God, Rachel said. Often, the chaplains are just offering a listening ear while a patient struggles through a hospital stay. Chaplains are also available to family members and loved ones in the hospital.

The hospital chaplaincy program is separate from the chaplaincy services and spiritual guidance offered through JSSA’s Hospice. Every patient enrolled in JSSA’s Hospice also has access to chaplains on their support team. Both chaplaincy programs exemplify JSSA’s commitment to whole-person care.

For Rachel, who had a long career as a congregational rabbi before joining JSSA’s team, being a hospital chaplain presents many challenges, but more rewards.

“There’s just a real sense of purpose,” she said. “You’re in a place where everyone is focused on healing and patient-centered care. To be able to be part of that process and bring in the element of spiritual care and support is incredibly meaningful.”