Pastoral Care

For matters of the heart (if you need someone to talk to)

The community we serve is a diverse multi-ethnic group encompassing a vast spectrum of religious observance and cultural expression, united by common traditions, heritage and legacy. Understanding and sensitivity to the diverse cultural backgrounds of Jewish people are qualities which set Jewish Care apart in its capacity to meet the needs of our clients, including Melbourne’s large population of first and second generation Holocaust survivors, their families and carers.

Jewish Care’s Cultural and Spiritual Centre provides practical and meaningful pastoral support to residents, volunteers, staff and their families across all of our residential facilities including Montefiore Homes Community Residence, Smorgon Family Nursing Home, The Mark and Dina Munzer Community Residence and Gary Smorgon House. We also look after clients and their families who participate in our wide range of community care programs.

Many of Jewish Care’s clients are not affiliated with a particular synagogue or cultural organisation and may find themselves alone in times of crisis, with no one to share their concerns. The dedicated and sensitive staff of the Cultural and Spiritual Centre are able to provide the necessary support to empower the person in need and their family to assist them to work through their challenges within a culturally appropriate framework.

More than half of our elderly residents are Holocaust survivors who often struggle with spiritual issues especially towards the end stages of their life. Their ability to find peace within themselves and with their family members often requires the sensitive intervention of staff from the Cultural and Spiritual Centre. Our staff can also arrange Jewish funeral services for people who have no family or who may be unknown to a local Rabbi.

To find out more about pastoral services, contact the Cultural and Spiritual Centre on (03) 8517 5609 or rabbi@jewishcare.org.au