Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Northeastern New York and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors (DOS) are proud to announce the hiring of Rabbi Adam Lautman as the new Jewish Community Chaplain. In this dual role, Rabbi Lautman will provide compassionate spiritual leadership, clinical pastoral care, and religious programming for seniors and families throughout New York’s Capital Region.
Rabbi Lautman will split his expertise between two vital organizations of the community. He will serve as the in-house Chaplain for Daughters of Sarah—supporting residents at the Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and The Massry Assisted Living Center—while also acting as a regional pastoral care specialist for JFS clients and Jewish residents in area long-term care facilities.
“Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors is very excited that Rabbi Adam will be joining us. With a warm presence and passion for the service of our elder community, he is a wonderful addition to our team,” said Samuel Weisblatt, MD, DOS President/CEO.
“We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Adam to our community to continue the tradition of providing compassionate pastoral support and connection to the Jewish community,” said Jane Ginsburg, JFS President and CEO. “Whether for those in long-term care communities or in their homes, the JFS community chaplaincy program has been core to the meaningful services JFS offers. Rabbi Adam has already proven himself eager and dedicated, and JFS is proud to partner with Daughters of Sarah to welcome him and support our older adults.”
Originally from Livingston, NJ, Rabbi Lautman brings a diverse and impressive background to the role. He earned an MA in Education at American Jewish University and was ordained at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2020. He completed clinical training at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Most recently, he served as the rabbi of Temple Har Zion in Mt. Holly, NJ, and as a spiritual counselor at Beit Teshuvah, a Jewish addiction recovery center.
“For me, joining JFS means becoming a part of the Jewish holy tradition of Tikkun Olam, repairing the universe; bikkur cholim, visiting the sick; being present and witness to joy, suffering, and our unique, individual Torah; and reminding each other of the Divine spark within each of us,” said Rabbi Adam Lautman.
In his new capacity, Rabbi Lautman will:
- Provide Pastoral Counseling: Offering one-on-one spiritual support for residents, clients, and families navigating the complexities of aging, illness, and loss.
- Lead Religious Services and Programs: Coordinating and conducting Shabbat and holiday services and programs to bring ritual continuity and joy to senior living environments.
- Educate and Consult: Serving as a primary Jewish resource for facility staff and advising on Jewish traditions and observances.
- Community Advocacy: Collaborating with colleagues, local clergy and community members to ensure Jewish residents across the region are supported.
Rabbi Lautman is known for his calm, steady presence and his ability to connect with people through music, midrash, and authentic conversation. An advocate for inclusive Judaism, his personal interests range from theology and Jewish history to playing guitar and piano.
For more information about the Jewish Community Chaplaincy program or other services provided by JFS, please visit jfsneny.org.
About Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
JFS provides counseling and promotes independence, healthy aging, and access to basic needs while mitigating food insecurity and social isolation. JFS programs and services rooted in Jewish values, available to all individuals regardless of faith. Their mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors, ensuring that support for our community is always within reach.
About Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors
Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors provides a continuum of care for seniors in the Capital Region, offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living services with a commitment to Jewish traditions and values.
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