When you are alive and well is when you should attend the Death Café. It’s actually the name given to a guided small group discussion that brings strangers together to eat, drink and talk about dying. Regardless of your faith or lack of it, the Death Café allows people to discuss whatever is on their mind regarding death, be it philosophical, spiritual or practical.
There is no religious slant. It is not intended to lead people to any faith, product, action or conclusion. The goal is to help people make the most of their lives.
“Whether you are just thinking about it or having to confront a life-threatening situation, the prospect of death can be confusing and often frightening,” said Dana Z. Bogatz, who is the facilitator for a series of meetings in Northern Westchester. “The Death Café gives people a safe haven to talk about death, hopefully before they have to face any end-of-life situation. It provides a much-needed conversation.”
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Do you want to discuss what happens when you die, or what legal matters need to be addressed? Participants bring the topics to the table, as outlined by the non-profit social franchise in the U.K. that launched Death Café in 2011.
Bogatz had facilitated over Death Café in Connecticut for several years before moving to Northern Westchester to become the Rabbi at First Hebrew Congregation last year. Her years as a Rabbi and hospital chaplain inspired her to find a way to help people through this difficult time. She eventually discovered Death Café. Although she is a Rabbi, Death Café is never based on religion.
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“Death Cafe brings together people from all walks of life to have, what can be considered, an intimate conversation about dying,” said Bogatz, who is proud of the community outreach sponsored by First Hebrew, enabling her to host Death Café.
Each Death Café requires an RSVP. While the location may vary, the September 8th session will be held at First Hebrew, 1821 Main St., Peekskill. For more information visit www.deathcafe.com or www.firsthebrew.org. To RSVP contact rabbi@firsthebrew.org or call 914-739-0500.
