The Chai (Life) Community Certification exists in order to attract active Jewish adults to your retirement community. Jewish retirees can be the catalyst for your continued growth and success.

The Chai Community:

• Educates Chaplains, Social Workers and others in Jewish practices, especially in the areas of religious observance and bereavement.
• Establishes guidelines for activities, food service and community events for the benefit of all residents.
• Assists the public in selecting retirement communities that meet the standards of a Chai Community. Integrated Rabbinic Solutions’ data base provides the means for Jews to find Chai Communities.

What Areas Are Covered?

Chai Community standards help you with every aspect of your retirement community management and operation:

• Worship. Sabbath, holiday and festival preparation.
• Food Service. Integration of Jewish dishes as menu items. Special dishes for holidays. Education regarding the nuances of Kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). [Note: This is not the same as establishing a kosher kitchen.]
• Cultural opportunities. Establishment of a resident’s committee. Acquisition of Jewish books, CD’s and DVD’s in the Library. Educational opportunities for all residents.
• Bereavement training. Formal training for Chaplains, Social Workers and other key personnel in the specific practices of death, dying and mourning in the Jewish tradition.
• Diversity training. Assisting your entire staff in learning about Jewish traditions in particular and increasing sensitivity to all faiths and ethnic groups in general.