An Introduction to the Federation's Chaplaincy Program:

Miriam, a lovely seven-year old, brain-damaged child with big brown eyes and shoulder-length hair, never smiled.  It was not clear how much she actually understood; but in truth, the girl had little to smile about.  Her parents had done all they could and rarely came to see her.  While the nurses and social workers at Children's Hospital would take her to see cartoons and learn songs with the other children in long-term care, she sat, listening in silence, never looking at anyone.

Is there a point in such a life?  Rabbi Dr. Milton Kroopnick, Community Chaplain, certainly thought so.  He was determined to break through her silence, to connect with her soul.  He visited her and sang a version of "Old McDonald; but instead of mentioning the various farm animals, he shouted out her name.   Surprised, the child laughed out loud, clapped her hands and starting moving her body excitedly.  An amazed nurse entered the room.  She looked at the Chaplain, who said, "I don't know if she's laughing with me or at me.  But do know that I love her smile." 

The next day, the CEO of the Hospital, a burly ex-marine, called Rabbi Kroopnick into his office, rushed over to him, thanked him for reaching the child and gave him a big bear hug "I thought he'd break my bones." Rabbi Kroopnick said. 

"Then I told him that a lesson we all learned at an early age is also true in dealing with brain-injured children or people suffering from Alzheimer's Disease - first impressions matter. If  you stand above people and literally look down on them, or show impatience, how can they be at ease with you?  They must experience your compassion directly, through your eyes and in your voice." 
 
The true test of any society is its commitment to treat all of its members with dignity.  This includes the middle-aged women in intensive care with liver disease who refuses to pray because she feels her illness is  punishment from God; or the holocaust survivor who refuses to speak, even to her own daughter, until Rabbi Kroopnick addresses her in Yiddish and releases nearly a century of pent-up memories. 

Perhaps this explains why we're so proud of our Chaplaincy Program: it ensures compassionate care, comfort and support to the most vulnerable members of our community.  

In addition to Rabbi Kroopnick's pastoral counseling, the Program includes regular visits and special programs,  Designed to complement the work of our local congregations, it is available to Jewish and non-Jewish patients in area hospitals or nursing homes.

Caring for the elderly is a particular concern in our area. Currently 100,000 elderly residents live in Union Country, comprising 20% of the communities' population. 
As Chaplain Kroopnick says, "Loneliness and despair can be as deadly as a disease; compassion and care are integral to their treatment."

The Chaplaincy Program also engages volunteers in this mitzvah, particularly young people, who visit Jewish residents on Jewish holidays and throughout the year.  Says one volunteer, "It's amazing how much satisfaction you can get by simply connecting with people."

In today's mobile society, families are scattered.  Couples frequently engage in work that denies them the time required to care for elderly relatives. At times, it's vital that the Jewish community serve as the extended family in people's lives. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Chaplaincy Program, either as a potential sponsor or a volunteer, please contact Debbie Rosenwein at 908-288-2407

Sidney Greenberger first came to know Rabbi Kroopnick when he made a seder at Norwood Terrace, an assisted living facility (?).  Later, a resident came up to Mr. Greenberger, the facility's owner, and told him that he had found the service very moving.  In fact, he did not remember when he had such a meaningful seder. 

Sidney Greenberger was touched.  To express his appreciation, he made a generous donation to the Chaplaincy Program. Subsequently, when he purchased another facility Cedar Oaks in South Plainfield, renaming it Aristicare of Cedar Oaks, he asked  Rabbi Kroopnick to lead Shabbat and other services there. He agreed.  Now, Rabbi and Mrs. Kroopnick visit each week and dine with the Jewish residents.  This has been received with such enthusiasm that Mr. Greenberger is now thinking of instal