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Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank MS, BCC
Vice President of Professional Development and External Affairs
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim
917-446-2126 rablenblank@gmail.com
<>=<>Thursday February 16 ,2023 Shevat 25, 5783<>=<>
The importance of seeking knowledge from
those who have expertise in their fields.
A mother who became her child’s advocate
and the future advocate for others.
The founding and growth of one of the well known
medical referral resource organizations -Chaim Medical Resource.
“MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION”
CLICK BELOW FOR THE LINK TO THE CHAIM MEDICAL RESOURCE WEBSITE
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Through the decades in my various positions as rabbi in the community and synagogue, collaborating with well known rabbis in the medical field, executive director of a health care coalition ,co-chair of a mental health coalition in response to suicides of the elderly, rabbinical liaison and pastoral care of a hospice, rabbi and director of pastoral care of a skilled nursing facility and presently as a vice president of professional development and external affairs for a nationwide rabbinical organization, I became knowledgeable in many diverse medical and mental health areas. I helped offer resources and referrals for those seeking help. Throughout the years I gave presentations on topics such as end of life issues, palliative care, spirituality, depression, dementia, coping with loss and grief, stress management, cultural sensitivity and finding hope in one’s life. I learned how important it was to become knowledgeable. I have been requested to act as a liaison between a patient and health care giver, family members and their medical team. I shared helpful information with others and I was also privileged to have others share information with me. I do not give any medical or mental health advice. The more I learn, the better I am able to be of assistance and to understand the needs of a patient or family member. I have collaborated with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other professionals. Part of my requirements of retaining my BCC Board Certified Chaplaincy of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains is to keep up with continuing education .
I have also been fortunate to have learned from and have been able to ask many shailos of Rav Dovid Feinstein zt’l dealing with many issues pertaining to medical, mental health and end of life situations. I have also learned from the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Reuven Feinstein of Yeshiva of Staten Island, the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Berel Feinstein of Yeshiva MTJ , Rav Chaim Ganzweig Mashgiach Ruchni of MTJ and many other chasuhva rabbonim, and colleagues.
Even with all of my background education, I find it necessary to seek advice from diverse medical and mental health professionals. Today, there is a wealth of Jewish medical referral organizations giving referrals of specialists to many who do not have their own primary care physicians or those who are seeking a second opinion. There are organizations who specialize in end of life situations with rabbonim who are knowledgeable in medical and al pi halachah areas. Many of these organizations are available six days a week twenty-four hours a day. Without these various dedicated organizations, many would not know where to seek essential help and in many cases advocacy on behalf of their loved ones.
I would like to share with you how and why Chaim Medical Resource one of those remarkable organizations was founded. It began with Mrs. Shevy Kahan and her partner in their vital work Mrs. Pessie Schlafrig. I first met Mrs. Kahan at New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital when I was working at Metropolitan Jewish Health System Hospice and Palliative Care .Together with Mrs. Toby Weiss who is presently the Assistant Vice President of Cultural Diversity at MJHS when we gave a presentation on end of life issues. Mrs. Kahan for many years helped Jewish patients, family members and care givers with multitudes of concerns and issues at NYPCH. I attended conferences at NYPCH and met Mrs. Kahan on numerous occasions. I was in awe with how she engaged medical staff, helped many navigate the medical system and helped advocate on their behalf including members of my own family. I was a frequent visitor meeting medical and social worker staff on behalf of MJHS and was involved with several pediatric patient family members at the New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. Though Mrs. Kahan was not involved in my cases, I always hoped I would meet and greet her. The respect she received by NYPCH diverse medical staff was phenomenal. I was also privileged to have sat in at a family meeting when she was instrumental in helping to facilitate on behalf of my family members. Again, I was in awe of how professional she was and how the staff listened closely to her thoughts, opinions and suggestions.
After undergoing complex brain surgery, this tiny warrior was injured on the battlefield a second time, only partially recovering from hemiparesis. Young Chaim, petite in size but indomitable in spirit, waged a fierce war against this senseless enemy identified only by its ominous initials: GBM. Glioblastoma, known to Chaim’s sister as “Gruesome Big Monster” threatened to devour and destroy his loving heart and the spirits of his beloved family.
Over the following years, the heroic child struggled with a seizure disorder among other debilitating ailments. But Chaim was never one to bend the knee in defeat. He confronted his enemy, looking trauma directly in its malevolent eyes, and firing! His unlikely weapon was a genuine smile. With boundless courage and a spark of humor, he combated the devastating disease for 5 incredible years. He simply defied logic.
When Chaim celebrated his bar mitzvah – shortly before passing to the world of eternity – his tumor was progressing. After conventional treatments failed, his family inched up the roller coaster, clinging to hope as they combed the medical world for clinical trials.
But they found themselves hanging in the loop. Chaim experienced a massive seizure a week before his big day, sadly losing his ability to speak. At the summit of his young but profound life, Chaim could not deliver his long-prepared speech.
It could have been a heartbreaking event, but Chaim danced the entire night, basking in the joy of the occasion. Armed with his radiant smile, he waved at friends and family, inspiring all with his unbreakable spirit.
Chaim was dedicated to living life to the fullest. And live it he did
Chaim’s blessed memory inspires the entire Chaim Medical Resource team every single day. It is in his honor that we fight endlessly to bring hope to sufferers and their families, carrying them through their darkest, most trying hours.
I personally draw strength from our cherished boy’s 5-year battle. We learned so much through bitter trial, and I have made it our organization’s mission to deliver answers and resources to those facing similar crisis.
We are driven by the remarkable Siyata Dishmaya and success experienced, as well as by the community’s aching, growing need. When a medical crisis descends suddenly, Chaim Medical Resource is here to light the path toward recovery with the same hopeful spirit Chaim taught us.
After undergoing complex brain surgery, this tiny warrior was injured on the battlefield a second time, only partially recovering from hemiparesis. Young Chaim, petite in size but indomitable in spirit, waged a fierce war against this senseless enemy identified only by its ominous initials: GBM. Glioblastoma, known to Chaim’s sister as “Gruesome Big Monster” threatened to devour and destroy his loving heart and the spirits of his beloved family.
Over the following years, the heroic child struggled with a seizure disorder among other debilitating ailments. But Chaim was never one to bend the knee in defeat. He confronted his enemy, looking trauma directly in its malevolent eyes, and firing! His unlikely weapon was a genuine smile. With boundless courage and a spark of humor, he combated the devastating disease for 5 incredible years. He simply defied logic.
When Chaim celebrated his bar mitzvah – shortly before passing to the world of eternity – his tumor was progressing. After conventional treatments failed, his family inched up the roller coaster, clinging to hope as they combed the medical world for clinical trials.
But they found themselves hanging in the loop. Chaim experienced a massive seizure a week before his big day, sadly losing his ability to speak. At the summit of his young but profound life, Chaim could not deliver his long-prepared speech.
It could have been a heartbreaking event, but Chaim danced the entire night, basking in the joy of the occasion. Armed with his radiant smile, he waved at friends and family, inspiring all with his unbreakable spirit.
Chaim was dedicated to living life to the fullest. And live it he did
Chaim’s blessed memory inspires the entire Chaim Medical Resource team every single day. It is in his honor that we fight endlessly to bring hope to sufferers and their families, carrying them through their darkest, most trying hours.
I personally draw strength from our cherished boy’s 5-year battle. We learned so much through bitter trial, and I have made it our organization’s mission to deliver answers and resources to those facing similar crisis.
We are driven by the remarkable Siyata Dishmaya and success experienced, as well as by the community’s aching, growing need. When a medical crisis descends suddenly, Chaim Medical Resource is here to light the path toward recovery with the same hopeful spirit Chaim taught us.
After undergoing complex brain surgery, this tiny warrior was injured on the battlefield a second time, only partially recovering from hemiparesis. Young Chaim, petite in size but indomitable in spirit, waged a fierce war against this senseless enemy identified only by its ominous initials: GBM. Glioblastoma, known to Chaim’s sister as “Gruesome Big Monster” threatened to devour and destroy his loving heart and the spirits of his beloved family.
Over the following years, the heroic child struggled with a seizure disorder among other debilitating ailments. But Chaim was never one to bend the knee in defeat. He confronted his enemy, looking trauma directly in its malevolent eyes, and firing! His unlikely weapon was a genuine smile. With boundless courage and a spark of humor, he combated the devastating disease for 5 incredible years. He simply defied logic.
When Chaim celebrated his bar mitzvah – shortly before passing to the world of eternity – his tumor was progressing. After conventional treatments failed, his family inched up the roller coaster, clinging to hope as they combed the medical world for clinical trials.
But they found themselves hanging in the loop. Chaim experienced a massive seizure a week before his big day, sadly losing his ability to speak. At the summit of his young but profound life, Chaim could not deliver his long-prepared speech.
It could have been a heartbreaking event, but Chaim danced the entire night, basking in the joy of the occasion. Armed with his radiant smile, he waved at friends and family, inspiring all with his unbreakable spirit.
Chaim was dedicated to living life to the fullest. And live it he did
Chaim’s blessed memory inspires the entire Chaim Medical Resource team every single day. It is in his honor that we fight endlessly to bring hope to sufferers and their families, carrying them through their darkest, most trying hours.
I personally draw strength from our cherished boy’s 5-year battle. We learned so much through bitter trial, and I have made it our organization’s mission to deliver answers and resources to those facing similar crisis.
We are driven by the remarkable Siyata Dishmaya and success experienced, as well as by the community’s aching, growing need. When a medical crisis descends suddenly, Chaim Medical Resource is here to light the path toward recovery with the same hopeful spirit Chaim taught us.
Through those trying and challenging times, after feeling alone in the vast medical world, Mrs. Kahan realized how important and vital it was to take a stand. She became knowledgeable in her son’s medical condition, medications, procedures, and treatments. She had the courage and the fortitude to advocate when necessary and to be involved which made a difference in her son’s life. She had tremendous Siyata Dishmaya, koach, emunah and betachon in the Ribono shel Olam. Her husband’s relationship with their Rebbe and community gave her the strength that she needed. She gained the respect and admiration of medical staff throughout her journey and beyond. She became a powerhouse name at NYPCH helping in ways that were thought not to be conceivable. Yet, she would try to move mountains whenever humanly possible of course all with the help of the Ribono shel Olam. She decided to dedicate her life and to do so lezeicher nishmas her son Chaim. She expanded her office from her home in Monroe, NY that began with only a few members of her staff, to a staff of over 64 coordinators with offices in several locations. The coordinators are divided into different specialties. When I spoke to Mrs Kahan, she was very makpid for me to acknowledge that Chaim Medical Resource is just one of many wonderful dedicated medical referral organizations with knowledge of hospitals and specialists throughout the New York area and beyond.
Mrs. Shevy Kahan is a remarkable role model who is always conscious of making a Kididush H. She emulates Ahavas H and Ahavas Yisroel. She does not compromise her Yiddishkeit in any way and conveys that together with Mrs. Schlafrig to all the coordinators of Chaim Medical Resources, helping Klal Yisroel with immense gemilus chasadim.
I want to acknowledge Rabbi Tzephania Kreger who is the Jewish Chaplain at New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital and a member of the RAA Chaplaincy Commission. The care he gives all of his patients, family members, care- givers and staff is phenomenal, appreciated and to be commended for all that he does as a professional BCC chaplain and rabbi.
From The Gentle Weapon Prayers for Everyday and
Not- So Everyday Moments
By Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
Jewish Lights Publishing
“FINDING GOOD”
O loving G
help me discover
and uncover
all that is good,
all that is positive
in the world.
Camouflaged through they may be,
let me find
those elusive sparks of
holy light.
Let me perceive all the beauty
and truth
hidden within Your Creation.
Thank you. Sincerely, Rabbi Yehuda Blank
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE CHAIM MEDICAL RESOURCE WEBSITE