For the last seven years, I have sung with a Caring Community group called Shirei Haneshamah (songs of the soul). We began as an idea, which was encouraged and supported by Cantor Jodi Sufrin. We would sing for individuals and groups of residents in the dementia and chronic care facilities at NewBridge on the Charles and Hebrew Senior Life at Roslindale.

Our group, which is modeled after a hospice singing group, now consists of volunteers of various singing abilities who enjoy singing together and want to find a way to bring comfort to those who are experiencing chronic and encroaching mental and physical disability. Most of these individuals are in the last years, and often days, of life. We are joined by a common intention not to perform but to give comfort in the form of song. We rehearse every two weeks and sing for individuals recommended to us about once a month.

Singing in this group is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. Being in the presence of these people and having the honor to sing for them has been a profound experience for me. We often bring smiles and tears of recognition from people who have not spoken in years. Sometimes the songs we sing are soft and comforting, sometimes fast and joyful. We choose the songs for the individual or group, but always with the goal of reaching the person(s) with sense of community and caring. It has been incredibly enriching for me to be able to bear witness and reach out and bring comfort to folks in the end of their lives. I am honored to be a part of this group and the Caring Community of TBE.

We welcome referrals and requests for visits to congregants.  We also welcome new singers. Contact me here.