Our Jewish Legacy Series Programs

The Bender JCC is pleased to be partnering with the Shomer Collective for a series of programs surrounding death and how to talk to loved ones about this important and hard topic.

A document on a wooden table is sealed with red wax and a stamp; a black pen lies next to it.

Ethical Wills: A Legacy of Values | Sunday, May 3 | 4:00 – 5:30 PM
With guidance from experts at the Shomer Collective, this session introduces the history of ethical wills in Jewish tradition and explores Jewish wisdom on facing mortality. Participants will review excerpts from traditional and modern ethical wills and engage in values-clarification exercises to spark writing ideas. This program is part of The Bender JCC’s Jewish Legacy Series.

Death Over Dinner | Sunday, May 3 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The way we die is the most important conversation Americans are not having. Join the Shomer Collective and the Bender JCC for a kosher dinner and an important discussion about the reality of mortality. We will be joined by community partners.

How to Talk With Children About Death, Dying, & Other Hard Stuff | Monday, May 4 | 8:30 – 9:45 am
In light of the pandemic and other world events in recent years, many parents and grandparents are now having more open conversations with children about death, dying, and other difficult topics. Join the Bender JCC and the Shomer Collective for this important conversation.

Questions? Contact Lauren Dworkin at [email protected] or 301-348-3837.

About The Shomer Collective

The Shomer Collective leverages Jewish wisdom to transform
communal culture around death and dying, fostering proactive
planning and robust support systems for end-of-life moments.

Rabbi Melanie Levav

Rabbi Melanie Levav is the Executive Director of the Shomer Collective, who will be facilitating the series of programs at The Bender JCC. She is a second-career rabbi who pivoted her career to focus on end-of-life care and conversations, bringing more than two decades of non-profit management, social work, Jewish education, and fundraising experience to her work.

Thank you to our partners:

Presenting Series Partner:
Sy Herman

Program Partner:

Community Partner: