A compassionate, caring and connecting presence can help provide the courage and support needed to face life’s challenges. If you are impacted by illness, addiction, end-of-life, loss, loneliness, or other life challenges, we are here for you. JCFS Chaplains represent three major branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. They are fluent in English, Hebrew and Russian.  Нажмите сюда чтобы узнать про нашего Капеляна говорящего по русски.  

Our chaplains also conduct Shabbat and holiday programming, teach Torah study and provide spiritual resources for Jewish residents in assisted living buildings, nursing homes and other group residential facilities.  

Additionally, we support professionals in hospitals, hospices, senior facilities, treatment centers and congregations by offering learning opportunities and training.    

Watch this video to learn more about Jewish Chaplaincy. 

To request a chaplain visit for yourself or someone else in our community, please contact Leah Shefsky at 847.745.5404. 

Guide for the Grieving

Guide for the Grieving is a resource that includes a toolkit for navigating practical matters, reviewing Jewish ritual and mourning practices, and understanding the range of emotional responses mourners may experience following the death of a loved one.  

Руководство Для Скорбящих: Инструменты Для Преодоления Утраты - CJE SeniorLife

Spiritual Resources 

We offer these resources to provide additional support and comfort: 

• Prayer pamphlets: Jewish Prayers and Reflections on Healing (English and Russian versions)  

• Prayers for the Caregiver  

• Vidui—Prayers for the End-of-life 

• Vidui—Prayers for the End-of-life (Russian)

• Prayer for Persistence for Those with Chronic Illness  

• A Prayer before Cancer Treatment 

• JCFS Shabbat Video 

• JCFS High Holiday Video 

• JCFS Hanukkah Video 

• JCFS Passover Video 

Support and Funding 

JCFS Chicago illness, loss and spiritual support services provided in partnership with CJE SeniorLife, Chicago Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. 

JCFS Chicago Jewish chaplaincy services are supported by the JF/JUF Fund for Innovation in Health (funded by the Michael Reese Health Trust) and The Albert and Lucille Delighter and Marcella Winston Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. 

For more information please contact: 

Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski, D. Min., BCC, Rabbinic Counselor & Chaplain, 847.745.5433 

Leah Shefsky, LCSW, Chaplaincy Coordinator & Grief Specialist, 847.745.5404 

As one of the nation’s premier social services agencies, JCFS Chicago has been recognized by several accredtiting bodies and institutions, such as the Council of Accreditation and cognia.  See below for a more complete listing of accrediting and licensing bodies.

As professionals in the social service industry, we also can benefit by looking beyond our day-to-day work.  Association memberships allow us to do just that:  See below for a list of membership associations and other affiliations.

Accreditations and Licensing

Advance Education, Inc.

Internship in Clinical Psychology, accredited as a doctoral internship in health service psychology*

*QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE PROGRAM’S ACCREDITED STATUS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION: OFFICE OF PROGRAM CONSULTATION AND ACCREDITATION AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 750 1ST STREET, NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20002 PHONE: (202) 336-5979 /

E-MAIL: APAACCRED@APA.ORG 

WEB: WWW.APA.ORG/ED/ACCREDITATION

Council on Accreditation (COA)

"Partnering with human and social service organizations to strengthen their ability to improve the lives of the people they serve."

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) (License #010618)

Professional and Association Memberships

Alliance for Children and Families (ACF)

American Psychological Association

Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training

Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers

Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Jewish Communal Service Association

Joint Council on International Children's Services

National Guardianship Association

Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

JCFS Chicago is comprised over 400 professionals who are

• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Special Educators
• Speech
• Occupational and Developmental Therapists
• Early Childhood Educators
• Infant Mental Health Specialists
• Lawyers who specialize in special education advocacy
• Pediatric Nurses
• Vocational/Life Skills Counselors
• Non-Profit Leaders
• Administrators
• and more

Please email us for a list of topics, or to schedule a speaker at your upcoming community or professional meeting, school event, or more.

In the News

JCFS Chicago CEO, Stacey Shor spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times about how JCFS Chicago is able to continue supporting refugees after the recent stop work order.
2/9/25

Our CEO Stacey Shor spoke with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency about how we will continue to support refugees.
2/6/25

Publications