At HRC residents and patients can choose from a wide range of Jewish activities and events, including weekly opportunities for study, song, Shabbat services, and holiday celebrations.  In addition, there are monthly Christian services and regular visits from a Eucharistic minister.

We encourage residents and patients to request a visit from one of our chaplains.  This can provide an opportunity for connection and care and spiritual growth, as well as support in times of difficulty.

Top Four Reasons to Call a Chaplain: 

1. When a resident/patient requests a visit from a chaplain, rabbi, priest or clergy of another faith.
2. When a resident/patient is coping with loss, hospitalization, a difficult decision, or transition.
3. When family members are in crisis situations, including when their loved one is actively dying.
4. When staff/volunteers feel that a chaplain could be helpful in supporting the sacred work done with resident/patients.

Call 617-363-8802

Our Staff:

Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow, Director
Sara Paasche-Orlow is the Director of Religious and Chaplaincy Services at Hebrew SeniorLife. In this position, she established the nation's only Jewish geriatric clinical pastoral education (CPE) program accredited by ACPE, Inc. and has placed chaplains and CPE students throughout the HSL system. Rabbi Sara was ordained in the Conservative Movement at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and has focused her work on serving Jews of all backgrounds and denominations.

Hali Diecidue, Chaplain
Hali Diecidue is the staff chaplain at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. She has worked at HRC for 12 years as a chaplain to residents, families and staff, leading weekly religious services, Jewish holiday services, memorial services, and other religious prayer rituals, as well as functioning in the role of cantor. In addition, she provides pastoral care to residents, chaplaincy support to staff and family members, and coordinates Christian worship services. Ms. Diecidue, who has completed four units of clinical pastoral education training, has expertise in the pastoral care of people with dementia and the spiritual and religious aspects of end-of-life care.

Reverend Mary Martha Thiel, Director of CPE

Jody Comart, Acute Care Chaplain, Palliative Care Manager
Jody Comart, Ph.D., is managing director of the Palliative Care Program and chaplain at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. She is a clinical psychologist and the lead administrator for the palliative care consultation team, coordinating specialized end-of-life care throughout HRC. She provides pastoral counseling to residents, patients and families facing chronic or life-threatening illness. She is committed to helping Hebrew SeniorLife develop the field of palliative medicine through community, clinical and educational initiatives. 

Jeffrey Savit, Jewish Liaison, Center Communities of Brookline

Rabbi Herman Blumberg, Associate Chaplain, Simon C. Fireman Community, and Jack Satter House