Board of Directors

In Memoriam

Robert T. Mendle, MD, z”l –  Board Member, Hospice Committee

Dr. Mendle was a founding member of our hospice committee and helped to establish our  award winning Kol Haneshama,/Jewish End-of-Life Care Volunteer Program. He was loved by each of us, was known for his kindness, generosity of time and spirit, and his passion for roast beef sandwiches! Toward the end of his life he established as a part of his legacy The Robert T. Mendle Fund for Special Projects. If you wish to donate to this fund, please click here.

Samele Samuel, z”l

Samele Samuel was the healing center’s founding chair. She guided us from our nascent beginnings with wisdom and grace. In legacy her family established the Samele Samuel fund for spiritual care to individuals and families facing illness.

Rabbi Michael Barenbaum, z”l – Board Member, Hospice Committee

Rabbi Michael Barenbaum is known to many people from his 27 years as the beloved and inspiring senior rabbi of Congregation Rodef Sholom. Rabbi Michael came to Marin County with a particular sensitivity around issues of illness and dying, which led to a wonderful association as well with the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center. BAJHC was incredibly fortunate to have Michael on our board, and as a wise voice helping co-found our Jewish hospice and end-of-life care training and volunteer program, Kol Haneshama. Michael had a deep understanding of the spiritual, relational and organizational foundations of the Healing Center’s sacred work. He had a big, golden heart; he consistently offered us – rabbis, fellow board members, and Kol Haneshama volunteers – his clearheaded guidance, affirmation, and stalwart advocacy. He encouraged us and promoted our work both publicly, and behind the scenes as a cherished colleague and friend who we knew always had our best aspirations and interests in mind.