In Parshat Vayechi, which we read this coming Shabbat, January 11th, we reflect on Yaakov Avinu’s foresight and caring in guiding his family’s future during his final days. The story teaches us that the opportunity to prepare for one’s own passing is a great gift.

This year, Ematai has numerous advance planning events scheduled across the US in honor of Parshat Vayechi. We hope to see you there! If your community is not on this list, please reach out to office@ematai.org to schedule an Ematai event during 2025!

• January 8th – 12PM – WOW 60+ West Orange (NJ) -Legacy Letters 
• January 11th – 7:30PM – YI Woodmere (NY) – Advance Directive Workshop
• January 12th – 9AM – YI Lawrence Cedarhurst (NY)- Healthcare Professionals & End-of-Life Care
• January 12th – 8PM – Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck (NJ) – Panel Discussion on Halacha & End-of-Life Care
• January 12th – 9:45AM – YI Hancock Park (LA) – Advance Directive Workshop
• January 16th – 4:15PM – Congregation Torah Ohr (FL) – Advance Directive Workshop
• January 16th – 7:30PM – Anshei Chesed Congregation (FL) – Advance Directive Workshop
• January 18th – 7:30PM – Trump Synagogue (FL) – Advance Directive Workshop
• January 26th – 7:30PM – Hebrew Institute of Riverdale (NY) – Advance Directive Workshop

If you are in the Teaneck area, we have a special panel discussion, “We Need to Talk About This: Halacha, Aging, and End-of-Life Care on Sunday, January 12th. Rabbi Elliot Schrier will be moderating, and the panelists include Rabbi Mordechai Willig shlita, Dr. Moshe Cohn, Dr. Reena Gottesman, and Rabbi Brody. Please register in advance at bnaiyeshurun.org/events.