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Pastoral and Traditional Care


Baycrest began in 1918 as the Toronto Jewish Old Folks Home which was established to provide Jewish elderly people with care that reflected their religious traditions.

By meeting their cultural and religious needs and sustaining those traditions that have brought joy and meaning to their lives, Baycrest helps clients reach their maximum level of wellness.

At the same time, because Baycrest has grown larger and now serves elderly people from a variety of backgrounds, we recognize the diversity of our clients’ religious practices and endeavour to provide services to meet the individual’s needs.

Some of our services include:

  • Regular, on-floor pastoral care
  • Rabbis on staff
  • Special services for Jewish Holidays
  • Kosher food policy
  • Ritual, religious and spiritual items for religious needs
  • Bioethical consultation for clients, families and staff
  • Observance of traditions concerning dying
  • Various religious traditions observed to some extent in Baycrest Hospital, which is non-sectarian
  • Chaplaincy services for non-Jewish clients at Baycrest Hospital
  • Meditation room for all clients and their families available for prayer and contemplation
  • CAPPE (Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education) training for chaplaincy students

For further information, please call Rabbi Dr. Norman Berlat at 416.785.2500 ext. 2988