Jewish chaplain ministers to patients of all faiths

When Yaakov Weiss completed his rabbinical ordination, he knew he wanted to find a way to use his training to help care for people. Rabbi Weiss is finding that voice as a chaplain resident at UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center.

“There is no shortage of people with spiritual and personal needs here at the hospital,” Weiss said.

Those needs come at difficult times, such as the death of a loved one or serious injury; and also at times of joy and thankfulness, such as the birth of a child or successful treatment of a serious illness.

“Studies have shown patients’ overall health improves when they’re treated holistically,” said Rev. Deborah Boucher-Payne, director of patient care at The Nebraska Medical Center. “That’s the approach we take at The Nebraska Medical Center. We place a priority on ensuring that the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of care are addressed.”

“There is no shortage of people with spiritual and personal needs here at the hospital.” Rabbi Yaakov Weiss

Weiss began his residency at the medical center in August. His rabbinical training was especially useful when the family of a patient from Israel sought his help in celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The holiday involves building a booth-like structure outdoors. Unable to build the Sukkah booth in the family’s room at the Lied Transplant Center, the staff turned to Rabbi Weiss for help.

Weiss worked with a local Jewish organization and other members of the pastoral care department. Together they worked with the patient’s son to build a Sukkah in the hospital’s Healing Garden.

“When I told him we built the booth, enabling him to celebrate, his face just lit up,” Weiss said. “He was far from home. He knew Omaha had a small but strong Jewish community, but didn’t expect to have this opportunity here.

“It helped him to know people are here to care for them; not just meeting their medical needs, but their religious needs as well.”

Weiss visits patients of all faiths. He said some are surprised at first to see a rabbi, but all have welcomed him as part of the clergy team.

“It’s important to have diversity in our pastoral staff,” said Dave Sweeney, manager of pastoral care. “It’s a reflection of the different patient populations we serve.”

“I see it as finding a voice for caring for people. I’ve met a lot of people as a chaplain here,” Weiss said. “I listen to their stories and find that there is often something deeper than what the simple words mean. There is a reason why they’re telling it.”

When Weiss’ residency as a hospital chaplain ends next summer, he hopes to continue his work caring for others in a hospital or nursing home setting.