Beginning a Sacred Conversation about Our Values in End of Life Decision Making

Eighty percent of Jewish adults believe it’s important to talk about one’s hopes, dreams, values and fears as they approach the latter phase of their lives.  However, only twenty percent have had a sacred conversation with a loved one, or designated power of attorney, about what is important to us.  How will our values help others speak for us when we cannot speak for ourselves?

This workshop invites a small intimate group to have this conversation.  Trained facilitator Chaplain Deborah Schmidt will build an atmosphere of trust among the participants to be able to engage in values clarification exercises with a focus on what might be important to us at the end of our lives.  Chevruta style pairs will work together to review the text of a model advanced directive to facilitate values clarification.  After working in these pairs, we will join together again as a group in a safe space for deep listening of each other’s wishes.

This workshop will help participants think about, clarify and articulate  their values that will inform their end of life decisions.  Equally important, the workshop will prepare and encourage participants to share these values and decision-making signposts  with a designated decision maker (DPOA).  Participants will be able to take home an advanced directive form and are encouraged to complete, finalize, and share it with their families and health care providers.