Description: Raising Spirits: Stories of Suffering and Comfort at
Death's Door springs from Michael Goldberg's experiences serving
dying patients as a hospital and hospice chaplain. Previously, he
had held positions as a management consultant, a chaired university
professor, and a congregational rabbi. Although each of those
careers fulfilled some of his professional aspirations, none filled
his spiritual hunger to find purpose in his life. In turning to
chaplaincy and helping the gravely ill satisfy their craving for
meaning at the end of their lives, Goldberg discovered spiritual
sustenance in his. Raising Spirits is the first book to explore
care giving at the end of life from a spiritual as well as clinical
perspective. It tells the stories of Michael Goldberg's journeys
with patients, their families, and loved ones as they try to face
the challenges awaiting them at life's edges. In the process,
Goldberg himself is tested as a committed Jew who, working largely
among non-Jews, must continually reassess his identity and
convictions. He comes to see that ""spirituality"" need not refer
to things occult or otherworldly, but as Raising Spirits makes
clear, to things in this world that can at least start to lift our
spirits and revive them. The reciprocal process of gaining insight
into patients and into oneself is possible, indeed crucial, for all
who care for the sick, both lay and professional alike.
Endorsements: ""In this gem of a collection of stories about care
at the end of life, Rabbi and Chaplain Michael Goldberg restores
the spirits of his patients (and readers) as he deftly navigates
from the intensive care unit to the nursing home, from a patient's
home to their funeral. Across cultures and religious traditions,
with steady doses of humility, wisdom, compassion, and humor,
Goldberg's words are a healing balm to the often spiritually
uncomfortable journey of dying."" --Nassim Assefi Internist and
global women's health specialist, author of Aria ""With rare
honesty and humility, Rabbi Goldberg welcomes the reader to
accompany him into the pain-filled world of patients and families
at the edge of life. He overcomes the real world challenges of the
hospital or hospice stay to bring a measure of compassion and
comfort to those who suffer. Proverbs teaches that, ""The heart
alone knows its bitterness."" In truth, Goldberg is that rare
individual who understands the pain of another's heart and has the
ability to ease that pain."" --Rabbi Sheldon Pennes Director of
Spiritual Life at the Los Angeles Jewish Home ""This book is not
smarmy The stories are so gripping that you won't want to put them
down. Essential reading for all who care for the dying, including
their families."" --Nancey Murphy Professor of Christian Philosophy
Fuller Seminary author of Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies?
""These remarkable stories not only reflect the experience of many
dying patients, but allow readers to accompany Rabbi Goldberg in
his journey of becoming a Chaplain. He reveals his own search
through openly sharing his thoughts and feelings. Any Chaplain,
caregiver for the dying, or simply a human being on a quest to
understand what this life is all about will benefit from reading
this book."" --Judith Eighmy, RN, BSN, CHPN Hospice Consultant
Pacific Healthcare Consultants ""Raising Spirits is a gift to
anyone who has been deeply affected by experiences in healthcare.
All will irresistibly be reminded of the powerfully clarifying and
confusing nature of suffering and death. Michael's pathway from
thinker to caregiver might be unremarkable, but for his gift of
truth-telling--how many of us receive hope and comfort, even though
all too often, we simply can't help or understand. That is Grace.""
--Richard Vance Chrysalis Ventures ""Poignant and brilliant . . .
Raising Spirits is an uncommon resource for practical and pastoral
theology and religious education. Be prepared to venture into
unfamiliar territory Rabbi Michael Goldber
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