The Standard in Jewish Spiritual Care

“ Initially, NAJC was a place to get certification, and begin to identify as a chaplain. Now it has become the place to learn about best practices and feel the camaraderie of fellow chaplains. In a field that is so deeply interfaith, it is refreshing to look at our work through a Jewish lens.

“ I work as part of a diverse team of chaplains at a large medical center, where, for many years, I served as the only Jewish clergy. I so appreciate being a part of NAJC where I can connect with other Jewish colleagues who understand the specific needs and concerns of Judaism in a healthcare setting.

“ NAJC is more than an organization that provides certifications. It is an organization that provides ongoing professional support to its members. Many ideas I have in my own work originated at an NAJC conference, or webinar, or cognate group. Moreover, NAJC is a special place where we feel emotionally and spiritually supported, so important for all of us who often work ‘in the trenches’.

“ Being a part of NAJC gives me a home where I can return time and time again for collegial support and friendship. Much of the work we do as chaplains is one on one, especially as a Community Chaplain. Having a group of colleagues with whom I can share the challenges and the joys of this amazing area of Spiritual Care gives me renewed hizuk and lasting connection in my career as a rabbi, but especially these last 12 years as a chaplain.

“ I’m so happy to be a part of NAJC as it supports my chaplaincy while also being on the cutting edge of helping others.

“ NAJC is our chevre and professional home as Jewish chaplains. It provides the gold standard in board certification (our industry standard). We are united through Jewish core competencies that connect us across denominations-- a unity that is truly our superpower. NAJC is the leading resource for the Jewish community in accessing professional Jewish spiritual care support and expertise. There is nowhere else like NAJC!

“ When I made a professional transition from pulpit rabbi to professional chaplain, NAJC was there to support me every step of the way. While I learned a lot of vital skills in my CPE courses, the formal and informal mentorship I received from NAJC colleagues was crucial as I went through the process of board certification. NAJC does so much to advance the field of professional Jewish chaplaincy.

“ The NAJC has provided me with a spiritual and professional home for decades. While I have been privileged to contribute to the chaplaincy profession through textbook writing, common professional standards development, and interfaith disaster spiritual care, none of it would have been possible without this remarkable community.

“ I love being a part of NAJC! I get to interact with Jewish Chaplains across the globe, working in diverse capacities, who want to connect, learn from each other, support through sorrows, celebrate wins, seek to expand, and share our paths of service within our different communities. Connecting within the NAJC chevra warms my heart and fills my spirit.

“ NAJC provides me with professional accreditation, continuing education, and a variety of supports and services that enhance my professional Jewish Chaplaincy work. But far more than that, NAJC offers me the chevrashaft, collegiality, and friendship I need to sustain and nourish myself. It provides me with a peer group from across the Jewish spectrum that “gets it” – that understands me and what I do.

“ The NAJC offers a community where I can bring my whole self and find support, understanding and encouragement. It constantly reminds me of how Jewish spiritual care is always growing and evolving.

“ As chaplains we have choices of organizations we can certify and affiliate with. For me, NAJC was the only choice that made sense and resonated with my Jewish values. In a world that increasingly makes it difficult to identify safe Jewish spaces, NAJC provides a respite from the chaos and provides community, mentorship, education and purpose. NAJC helps me feel at home and refuels my soul for the work I do in the world.

“ NAJC as amazed me on every step of the path. Yes, I joined for certification and was asked to be more involved. I joined the board, then the executive committee, and now back to the board. During these years, I have been blessed to work with dedicated and innovative leadership and a community of Jewish Chaplains. It has been refreshing to work and learn with Jewish colleagues in this sacred work. It’s another place to call home.

“ I joined NAJC while I was still in rabbinical school, and the organization gave me a voice and a place to feel professionally and personally connected. I finally felt I had found "my people," and the community has been invaluable as I have moved through my career. NAJC is not only a community of talented, smart, and innovative Jewish chaplains, it's also an important voice for the chaplaincy community and the Jewish community. I am proud to both be a member and be board certified through NAJC.