Caring Community
WRT’s Caring Community offers support, comfort, and friendship to congregants during times of crisis and life transition. Through meaningful programs and gatherings, we also bring members together for connection, conversation, and wellbeing.
Our Caring Community is led by Co-Chairs Joan Frankle, Pam Frankel-Stein, Shari Keats, and Cynthia Samwick, together with Amy Rossberg, WRT’s Director of Congregant Relations and Pastoral Care, and supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. Working in partnership with our clergy, we strive to ensure that every congregant feels seen, supported, and cared for. Our outreach takes many forms: caring notes, phone calls, meal delivery, yahrzeit candle delivery, practical guidance, and the simple blessing of knowing that someone cares.
If you or someone you know is in need of care, or if you would like to become a Caring Community volunteer, please contact us at caringcommunity@wrtemple.org or reach out to Amy Rossberg at (914) 723-7727 or amy.rossberg@wrtemple.org.
You can also support our Caring Community through a donation to the Caring Community Fund Dedicated to Ann R. Miller by clicking here.
Upcoming Series 2026
Caring Up, Down, and In: A Three-Part Series for Caregivers
Sundays, October 18, 25, and November 1, 2026, 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Join us for one, two, or all three sessions.
WRT’s Caring Community, FreeBirds, WRJ, and MRJ invite you to join us for this three-part series designed for those who are currently caregiving, anticipating caregiving responsibilities, or supporting someone who is. We may find ourselves caring “up” for aging parents, spouses, or older loved ones, caring “down” for children, grandchildren, or younger family members, and caring “in” as we try to tend to our own emotional, spiritual, and practical needs. Through these conversations, we hope to offer connection, perspective, and reassurance: caregivers do not have to navigate this journey alone.
Memory Care: Supporting Loved Ones Facing Cognitive Change
Sunday, October 18, 12:30 – 2:00 PM
A Panel Discussion Moderated by Gillian Rittmaster, LCSW. Caring for someone experiencing memory loss, dementia, or cognitive decline brings unique questions, challenges, and emotions. This session will offer perspective, guidance, and support for those navigating the practical and emotional realities of memory care.
Spiritual Resources for Caregivers
Sunday, October 25, 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Led by WRT Senior Cantor Amanda Kleinman. Caregiving can call upon our deepest reserves, leaving us stretched, depleted, and in need of spiritual sustenance. In this session, we will draw on Jewish wisdom, prayer, music, ritual, and spiritual practice as sources of strength and grounding, supporting caregivers in the sacred work of caring for others while creating space to care for themselves.
The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care for Others and Yourself
Sunday, November 1, 12:30 – 2:00 PM
A Panel Discussion Moderated by Jane Slevin, LMFT. Many adults find themselves caring for aging parents or older loved ones while supporting children, grandchildren, spouses, partners, or other family members. This session will explore the experience of being pulled in multiple directions and help us balance competing needs, set realistic expectations, and recognize that support is available.
To RSVP, please contact receptionist@wrtemple.org and indicate which session or sessions you would like to attend.
Programs and Gatherings
Chair Yoga
Weekly chair yoga classes are offered free of charge to WRT congregants. This gentle practice supports flexibility, balance, and relaxation, and is accessible to all levels of ability, with no experience necessary. Please contact receptionist@wrtemple.org to RSVP. Offered Thursdays at 2:00 PM.
L’Chaim! To Us
A monthly discussion group where our senior congregants gather for engaging conversation, connection, and community. Each month, we explore topics that matter to us as we navigate life’s stages, sharing perspectives, stories, and a sense of belonging. Whether you come every month or join us when you can, you are always welcome. Meets one Monday each month. To learn more, please contact Cynthia Samwick at Cynthia.Samwick@gmail.com.
Annual Summer Luncheon for Seniors
Each summer, we welcome congregants age 76 and up to a luncheon with our clergy. This cherished annual gathering is an opportunity to socialize, reconnect with friends old and new, and enjoy a meal together before the High Holy Days. Invitations are sent in advance with the date, time, and location. For more information, please contact receptionist@wrtemple.org.
Volunteer With Us
We are always seeking volunteers who are eager to contribute to the caring mission of Westchester Reform Temple. You can get involved in any of the following ways:
Note Writing
Note writing does not take great handwriting, just a caring heart. Volunteers write notes to fellow congregants, offering comfort, condolences, or mazal tov on behalf of our congregational community.
Delivery of Yahrzeit Candles
We deliver yahrzeit (memorial-anniversary) candles to bereaved households prior to the first yahrzeit. While it does not commemorate the end of grief, which is a complex emotional and spiritual process, the yahrzeit does mark the transition to the tasks of renewed living when one concludes a year of mourning.
Meal Delivery
Volunteers order and deliver meals to congregants who are bereaved, homebound, or recovering from illness or hospitalization.
To volunteer or to let us know of a congregant in need, please get in touch with any of our leadership:
Joan Frankle, Pam Frankel-Stein, Shari Keats, and Cynthia Samwick, Co-Chairs: caringcommunity@wrtemple.org
Amy Rossberg, Director of Congregant Relations and Pastoral Care: amy.rossberg@wrtemple.org or (914) 723-7727.