Pastoral Care is a hallmark of any communal organisation.
And for a very good reason: at the centre of all we are, all we do, the reason we exist is for the people who comprise our community.
This year, Pastoral Care has been more important than ever before. Perhaps our greatest role as a Community Centre has been, and continues to be, to support our members and friends through the most trying of times.
We typically refer to Pastoral Care as being a service for those who are unwell, are elderly or isolated, have recently added a new baby to their family, have experienced the loss of a loved one or are struggling in some way. Lately, that sense of struggle has been true for almost all of us. And for those who were suffering in some way before isolation, then the need is even greater.
The key message for our community is that we are here for you and the people you care about most.
Should you need assistance in any way, or know someone who does, we encourage you to get in touch with us.
For some, it might be a chat on the phone, for others a visit (when possible) and for others still it might be making an arrangement to have delicious Kosher food home- delivered.
Traditionally, Pastoral Care in the Jewish community is a service delivered by the Rabbi. For some, there can be a hesitation in reaching out to their communal leader. What could he know about my life? What if he realises I’m not frum? Will he understand what I’m going through? What sets rabbis apart is their ability to support someone without prejudice, without judgement and with a lot of care and compassion. And that is an approach we very much endorse and deliver at ARK Centre.
Rabbi Gabi is not your typical Rabbi. Of specific relevance to the area of Pastoral Care is that he holds a Masters in Social Work. He has worked with a wide range of people facing a myriad of different challenges during the course of his training. He brings that experience to every interaction he has with our community.
Alongside Rabbi Gabi we have a number of trained volunteers who assist with phone calls and visits. While we cannot offer home visits currently, we plan to resume when it is safe to do so.
Our team in the office has experience in the area and are ready to help however possible.
For any Pastoral Care enquiries please contact the office on 8658 4044 or via office@arkcentre.com.au.
Your enquiry will be received with compassion and any information you provide will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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