How can the Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program help you?

By Rabbi Min Kantrowitz

The Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program was established in 2004 to help Jewish people throughout the greater Albuquerque area. Jewish Family Service realized that many Jews in the area, especially the elderly, do not belong to synagogues. When they needed a Rabbi, it was very difficult to find one who was available to help them. I was hired to help fill that need.

  • What kinds of help can I provide?
    I visit Jewish people wherever they are, at any location that is convenient to them. Over the past two years, I've had the privilege of helping Jews in a variety of hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. I've met with people in coffee shops and in their own homes, in jails, behavioral health treatment facilities and in my office in the Jewish Community Center. I've helped individuals and families, ranging in age from 8 to 98.

  • I support people who are sick.
    I provide pastoral care, counseling, prayer and visitation to people who are ill and their families in all locations. I work closely with area hospices and their chaplains to provide rabbinic coverage and visitation to patients and their families near the end of life.

  • I assist people with spiritual questions.
    I am available to assist people dealing with a variety of religious and spiritual concerns, ranging from information about Jewish beliefs and practices, to crises of faith, and questions of meaning.

  • I help people who are grieving.
    I co-facilitate two grief support groups: one in Albuquerque and one in Rio Rancho. The goal of these groups is to work with people of all faiths experiencing grief and help provide guidance and support in a confidential, shared environment.

  • I teach about Judaism.
    I offer educational seminars to hospital and hospice personnel and chaplains to guide them in better meeting the needs of Jewish patients at their facilities. I also offer educational seminars to residents and staffs of group homes and to other groups to teach people about Jewish holidays, customs and beliefs.

  • How can you reach me?
    The best way to contact me is to call my office at 505.291.1818 x5481. You may need to leave a message as I am out of the office frequently. I do check my messages regularly, and will return your call as soon as possible.