Past Events
Coffee With Clergy
A conversation with Rabbi Nicole Auerbach and What Matters Site Leader Howard Sharfstein at Central Synagogue
Dying Doesn't Feel Like What I Am Doing
A conversation between Rabbi Jackie Ellenson of Rodeph Sholom, Rabbi Nicole Auerbach of Central Synagogue, and filmmaker Paula Weiman-Kellman about the film Dying Doesn't Feel Like I'm Doing
Caregiver: A Love Story
A conversation between producer Lois Perelson-Gross and filmmaker Dr. Jessica Zitter about the film Caregiver: A Love Story, sponsored by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan and What Matters
A Conversation with the Authors of A Beginner's Guide to Loss
Co-authors BJ Miller and Shoshana Berger shared the stories and hard-won wisdom that inspired their handbook of practical advice for living life and facing death, in a conversation moderated by Caitlin Roper of The New York Times. Copresented by What Matters and Reimagine End of Life.
Modern Loss: An Evening of Storytelling
Rebecca Soffer, co-author of Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief, was joined by Sara Benincasa (author, comedian), Jason Gore (Upright Citizens Brigade), Nora McInerny (host of the Terrible, Thanks for Asking podcast), Mike Rosen (spoken word poet), Katie Rich (writer, Saturday Night Live), Rachel Sklar (writer and founder of The Li.st)
Roz Chast in Conversation at Central Synagogue
An evening with the New Yorker cartoonist and author of the graphic memoir Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? about the realities of aging today.
Dying to Laugh: An Irreverent and Humorous Take on Advance Care Planning
A lighthearted look at this timely and essential topic featuring Lois Perelson-Gross, editor of the comic anthology Never the Right Time; Dr. Bernie Lee, vice president of medical affairs for MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care; and MJHS hospice social worker Francesca Robison.
Reimagine End of Life NYC: Oct 27-Nov 3, 2018
Reimagine End of Life was a weeklong event that offered programs and activities throughout the New York community, exploring death and celebrating life through conversation and creativity. What Matters cosponsored a variety of programs throughout the week, including advance care planning sessions. Highlights included:
Theater of War
Dramatic readings of ancient Greek plays were a catalyst for town hall discussions about the ethics and emotions surrounding end of life care.
Death Over (Shabbat) Dinner–Jewish Edition, featuring Founder Michael Hebb
The way we die is the most important conversation Americans aren’t having. We brought resources from Death Over Dinner–Jewish Edition to the Shabbat table, to transform this potentially difficult conversation into one in which everyone can take part.
Roz Chast in Conversation (pictured, above)
The New Yorker cartoonist and author of Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?, a graphic memoir about her aging parents, was interviewed by Romemu’s spiritual leader, Rabbi David Ingber.
Lives Well Lived
In this feature documentary, 40 people aged 75 to 100, with a collective life experience of 3,000 years, share their secrets, wit, and wisdom on how to live a meaningful life.
Reimagining End-of-Life Care: A Multifaith Exploration
Hosted by the Jewish Theological Seminary, this panel discussion focused on how diverse religious traditions and communities can provide guidance and wisdom to ensure the best care for the whole person at the end of life.
If Not Now, When?
What Matters group information sessions introduced participants to advance care planning.
Extreme Measures: Finding a Better Path to the End of Life
With Dr. Jessica Zitter and Jewish Theological Seminary Chancellor Arnold Eisen
Dr. Lucy Kalanithi: When Breath Becomes Air with Rabbi Neil Zuckerman
Cosponsored by What Matters, Park Avenue Synagogue, and Central Synagogue
When Breath Becomes Air: A Conversation with Dr. Lucy Kalanithi and Rabbi Mychal Springer
At the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan