Bereavement Support

We offer bereavement support groups that are individualized for specific types of loss, and for various Jewish cultural, spiritual, and religious needs. Our groups include participants with similar losses such as individuals who have lost spouses, parents, children, and other loved ones. We attempt to group participants of similar age.

Our eight-week groups are co-lead by a Social Worker and a Rabbi, and are offered throughout the year. Currently, many of our groups are offered in partnership with the JCC of Manhattan and within individual synagogue congregations. Pre-registration is required and fees apply.

2012 Support Meetings for Bereaved Jews:

Parental Loss

Now registering for the next session

Spousal/Partner Loss

Now registering for late August

Older Adult Spousal/Partner Loss

Now registering for the next daytime session

Parents Who Lost a Young Child

Wednesdays 8:45 - 10:45 am: April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 12, October 17, November 14, December 19.    

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Parents Who Lost an Adult Child

Wednesdays: March 26, April 30, May 21*, June 25, July 30, September 24, October 29. November 26, December 17*

*Please note this change is due to the schedule of Jewish and secular holidays

No meeting will be held in August

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Parents Who Lost a Young Adult Child

Wednesdays: April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20.  

*No meeting will be held in August

[Download Flyer]

M'kom Shalom: A Place of Peace for Jewish Survivors of a Close One's Suicide

April 13, May 11, June 15*, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 5*, November 9, December 14

*Please note this change is due to the schedule of the Jewish holidays

[Download Flyer]

Holiday Programs in the Presence of Loss

The holidays can be a difficult time when experiencing the loss of a loved one. The Shira Ruskay Center offers three programs annually — Coping with the Empty Chair, Gathering the Generations in the Sukkah, and Lights in the Darkness — to provide assistance and comfort during those times.

All programs are facilitated by a Rabbi and a Social Worker, and are open to the public at no cost. These programs are offered at the JCC in Manhattan and can also be organized in your community (contact us for more information).

For more information or to register for our support groups or holiday programs, call (212) 632-4608.

Support for Jewish Individuals and Families

We provide assistance to members of the New York City Jewish community Facing advances serious illness or loss. Our social workers or rabbis can visit you at home to:

• Assist individuals and families in accessing medical or community services.
• Offer guidance, direction, education, and support.
• Help individuals and families cope with overwhelming feelings and concerns.
• Guide individuals and families as they prepare for the future.
• Provide Jewish spiritual and religious resources and guidance.
• Offer specialized group and individual bereavement support.
• Provide volunteer services through our Doula to Accompany and Comfort program.
• Partner with professional health care providers to ensure comprehensive care.
• Provide professional and community education programs throughout New York City.

To discuss how we may be of help to you or someone you know, please contact our caring and experienced staff at: (212) 632-4608 or info@shiraruskay.org