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Planning for Peace of Mind: The Mitzvah of Crafting Your Ethical Will
Writing an ethical will, a document that includes stories and reflections about your past, is an ancient tradition. It can include joys and regrets, and ultimately becomes both a way to remember a loved one who is gone and a primer on how to live a better, happier life. In conversation with Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, Rabbi Jonathan Aaron will reflect on the themes and lessons he has learned in his many years as a Rabbi and discuss the important mitzvah of writing your own ethical will.
About Planning for Peace of Mind:
Nearly 70% of all funeral arrangements are made by widowed spouses or children at the height of emotional stress and grief after their loss. In this 3-part series, we are joined by Rabbi Jonathan Aaron, Michael Hebb, and Rabbi Jason Weiner for spiritual and practical conversations moderated by Rabbi Sherre Hirsch. We invite you to join in any or even in all of these talks, as we use Jewish wisdom, practice, and comfort to walk you through this inevitable aspect of life.
This event is generously sponsored by Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary. By registering for this event, you agree to have your name and email address shared with Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary. If you would like to opt out of sharing your email with Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, you can do so HERE.
Rabbi Jonathan Aaron, Senior Rabbi at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from Emerson College (1983) and earned Masters’ degrees in Jewish Education (1993) and Hebrew Letters (1994) from Hebrew Union College. Ordained as a Rabbi in 1996, he has served the temple as Assistant, Associate, and now Co-Senior Rabbi. Formerly Director of Education and Head of Temple Emanuel Academy Day School, Rabbi Aaron seamlessly blends Judaism with the arts, crafting liturgical music for services and directing intergenerational musicals like “Hyrcanus.” He’s renowned for his contemporary prayer experiences, storytelling of folktales and biblical narratives, and police chaplaincy for Beverly Hills Police Department. A Maple Counseling Center board member and visiting professor at Hebrew Union College, he’s taught speech to rabbinical students for over a decade.
Rabbi Sherre Hirsch is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Collaborative which is a leadership community of women dedicated to peer-to-peer learning. She also served as the Chief Innovation Officer for American Jewish University. Prior to AJU, Hirsch served as Hillel International’s Senior Rabbinic Scholar. Hirsch launched her rabbinic career as the first woman rabbi at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles’s largest and oldest conservative synagogue. Since then, she has published two books with Random House and is a sought-after speaker, teacher, consultant, counselor and national media contributor. She is also one of Jewish Women International’s Women to Watch. She is married to Dr. Jeffrey Hirsch and resides in Los Angeles with their four children and foster son.