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.
WE CARE: Caring Community Update
Caring Community recently presented a three-part series to provide support to the
caregivers among us: Caring Up, Down, and In: A Three-Part Series for Caregivers.
Topics included:
Memory Care: Supporting Loved Ones Facing Cognitive Change
Spiritual Resources for Caregivers
The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care for Others and Yourself
If you are navigating any of these life challenges, the Caring Community can provide
you with resources from the Alzheimer’s Association, Westchester Jewish Community
Services (WJCS), and White Plains Hospital’s Caregiver Support Program.
Did you know that WJCS’s social workers are available to our congregants through its
Partners in Caring Program? Partners in Caring collaborates with area synagogues to
further WJCS’ commitment to serving the mental health, social, and educational needs
of the Jewish community.
To arrange sessions with a WJCS licensed social worker, please contact: Jane Slevin,
LMFT, Director of Pathways to Care, 914-761-0600 x2143; jslevin@wjcs.com.
If you have any questions about our partnership with WJCS, feel free to contact Amy
Rossberg at the temple.
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.