Hidden Blessings: Finding Light, Love, and Joy During Illness & Loss
A Conversation with Maryland’s Leading Rabbis
When faced with illness, grief, and loss, it can be difficult to see beyond the pain. Yet, even in life’s most challenging moments, hidden blessings can emerge—offering connection, love, and meaning. Gilchrist invites you to explore these profound moments at our upcoming event, presented by The Harvey and Linda Litofsky Family Foundation and with support from Sol Levinson, and Jmore.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 7pm with resource fair at 6pm
Gorn Chapel at Beth El Congregation
8101 Park Heights Ave, Pikesville, MD
This free event will feature a panel discussion with some of Maryland’s most esteemed rabbis, who will offer insight into end-of-life needs and care from a Jewish perspective. The evening will also include a live musical performance, light refreshments, and a pre-event resource fair with community vendors.
Guidance from Esteemed Rabbis
Our distinguished panelists will discuss the importance of faith, community, and connection during times of illness and grief:
- Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg – Beth Tfiloh Congregation
- Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen – Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
- Rabbi Benjamin Shalva – Jewish Care, Support, and Rabbinic Services Manager, Gilchrist
Moderating this meaningful discussion will be Michael Olesker, former Baltimore Sun columnist and author. With a career spanning thousands of newspaper columns, books, and radio and TV commentaries, Olesker brings a deep understanding of Baltimore’s Jewish community and the human stories that connect us all.
A Celebration of Music and Community
The evening will also feature a special performance by Kol Sasson, the University of Maryland’s premier Jewish a cappella group. Their music will add to the event’s uplifting and reflective atmosphere, helping us connect through song, faith, and shared experience.
Why This Conversation Matters
For many, illness and loss can feel isolating, but Hidden Blessings reminds us that we are never alone. This event is an opportunity to gather, share wisdom, and discover meaning in life’s most difficult transitions.
“Hidden Blessings is about finding light in dark times—about the unexpected moments of meaning, love, faith, and even joy that can surface at the end of life. Illness and loss can isolate us. Hidden Blessings is a chance to gather, to learn from incredible rabbis and professionals in the field, to enjoy musical performances, to have a little nosh, and—most importantly—to remind one another that we’re not alone. My hope is that participants will walk away feeling nurtured, uplifted, enlightened, and maybe even surprised by the blessings that abound in their own lives.”
— Rabbi Benjamin Shalva, Jewish Care, Support, and Rabbinic Services Manager, Gilchrist
Join Us for This Special Evening
Whether you are facing illness yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a meaningful conversation about faith and life’s transitions, we welcome you to join us. Together, we will find light in the darkness, strength in community, and blessings in the most unexpected places. Learn more at gilchristcares.org/hiddenblessings