Providing direct spiritual care to unaffiliated Jews in the greater Denver area.
Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy
Facing a serious life challenge, illness, hospitalization, or the death of a loved one can be daunting experiences, especially for Jews who may not be affiliated with a synagogue but need a spiritual connection at a difficult time.
The Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy program, led by Rabbi Rick Brody, provides direct spiritual care, comfort, and guidance to unaffiliated Jews in the greater Denver area and beyond who are ill, in crisis, or near the end of their lives—in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, mental health institutions, correctional facilities, or at home. Rabbi Rick is available to you whether you are brand new to Denver and haven’t yet joined a congregation, have lived here for decades, or simply happen to be visiting when your crisis or need arises. If you or a loved one is receiving care through an institution or a program that provides chaplaincy services but does not have a Jewish chaplain available, simply tell that chaplain (or an activities director) that you wish to be connected with Denver’s Jewish Community Chaplain and they will make the call. If you are not receiving any formal care and simply wish to speak to a rabbi, contact JFS directly.
Whether you need a kosher meal in a hospital, a spiritual guide to provide a Jewish perspective on a major lifecycle event, or just a compassionate Jewish presence to talk to, the Jewish Community Chaplaincy program is here to serve you and your family. In-person and virtual appointments with Rabbi Rick are available.
The Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program is funded in partnership with JEWISHcolorado who has supplied a PIN grant of $79,000 or 79% of the overall program. We are appreciative of their support.
Rabbi Rick is a thoughtful, compassionate caregiver and spiritual guide with significant experience providing pastoral care to those who are suffering, questioning, or simply in need of comfort, reassurance, or accompaniment. He sees each encounter as a pastoral moment and an opportunity to bring more sanctity into people’s lives.
Rabbi Rick has extensive personal and professional experience across the spectrum of Jewish movements and communities and is deeply committed to a pluralistic approach to Jewish life.
As a spiritual leader, educator, writer, and activist, Rabbi Rick has served congregations, schools, and various other institutions in Los Angeles, Austin, the greater Delaware Valley, and Denver. He was the first Director of NextGen Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and taught in the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning for six years (in Los Angeles and Austin). He has spoken at numerous seminaries, universities, interfaith gatherings, legislative sessions, and social justice rallies; was a guest teacher at Limmud UK; and has led multiple trips to Israel, where he also lived for two years.
An alumnus of the Bronfman Fellowship, Rabbi Rick received a B.A. in History from Yale in 1995 and was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2002.
Rabbi Rick is eager to speak with you at a time that is mutually convenient. Appointments can often be made for later the same day and can be in-person or virtual. On the sign-up page, please briefly explain the reason for your call and what it is you wish to discuss with the rabbi.
Rabbi Rick Brody
Para-chaplain Program
The JFS Para-chaplain program reduces social isolation of Jewish residents of assisted living and nursing-care facilities through visitation and programs conducted by JFS para-chaplains and other volunteers. The program strengthens the connection between Jewish residents living in non-Jewish senior residential facilities and the Jewish community by arranging and leading religious services for Shabbat, High Holy Days, Hanukkah, and Passover. In addition, para-chaplains work with the staff at these facilities to sensitize them about the values, traditions, and holidays of Jewish residents.
Contact Rabbi Rick Brody, Jewish community chaplain, 720.248.4647.
The Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy program is supported by the JEWISHcolorado PIN Grant program.
