OUR STORY
In late 2018, a group of Natan members and philanthropic partners sat down for a Death Over Dinner experience after several members experienced direct losses of loved ones that revealed the systemic challenges inherent in much of end-of-life care in the United States.
This group continued to meet regularly to explore topics connected to death and dying. These “NatanLab: End-of-Life” participants met together over meals in each other’s homes and offices, learning with doctors, rabbis, Jewish communal professionals and social entrepreneurs active in the end-of-life field.
This discovery process unearthed a major opportunity to weave together existing initiatives and fill in the gaps with new resources and programs.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the immediate need for such a project, bringing death and dying front of mind for countless numbers of people who had heretofore avoided the subject.
Shomer Collective emerged as the result.
Listen to Rabbi Melanie Levav share more about the goals and origin story of Shomer Collective in this podcast.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Shomer Collective is to improve end-of-life experiences for individuals and their families— inspired by Jewish wisdom, values, and practices—by curating content and resources and building a diverse network of organizational partners.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where end-of-life matters are spoken about openly, thoughtfully, and frequently, creating opportunities for many more people to engage with Jewish wisdom, values, and practices. These conversations and experiences can be transformational, having an impact not only on the person who is dying but on whole family and community systems.
OUR INVITATION
Shomer Collective brings together the existing and emerging initiatives within and adjacent to Jewish communities, and it applies Jewish wisdom to the question of how we want to live as we all approach the end of life. Shomer Collective is seeking organizational partners, funding partners, and individual users; join us now!
OUR WORK
As a Concierge, Curator, Convener, and Change Agent,
We Help:
Empower individuals as they plan for and/or confront death for themselves and loved ones
Make Jewish wisdom and expertise in end-of-life matters more accessible through referrals, teaching, counseling, and curation of learning experiences
Spark innovation and culture change inside and beyond Jewish institutions, so that organizations will recognize that end of life is a lifecycle moment that can meaningfully engage people Jewishly
TESTIMONIALS
“Shomer Collective is creating an accessible learning center to share the wisdom of our tradition.”—Rabbi D.L.
“Shomer Collective is holding important Jewish conversations about death and dying - conversations that many people, unfortunately, avoid out of fear, sadness, discomfort, or even ignorance. Rabbi Levav and the Shomer Collective model thoughtful, caring engagement and education in this area, inviting us to make our lives more confident and meaningful by helping us make informed Jewish choices about death and dying. They are doing critically important work, teaching us how to live - and die - more meaningfully.” —Anonymous program attendee
”Very specific practical advice interspersed with Torah learning combined with actual practice - a very powerful combination.” ——Anonymous program attendee
“Thinking about death is not just for old people. I buried my Mom on my daughter's first birthday. My mourning process, while parenting, has shaped who I am and how I live in this world. Having support and content will guide others in a way that I wasn't as fully able to benefit from at that time.”—V.G.