Stephanie Garry, at The Blogs

Stephanie Garry

Sep 12, 2024, 8:11 AM

At end-of-life, the primacy of Jewish values and community

An individual or family calls, or walks in to see us. More likely than not, they’re immersed in one of the most emotionally charged life cycle events — a present or future death. Vulnerability is high and guard is low....

Nov 17, 2022, 11:42 AM

Time and space for end-of-life conversations

I sat in front of the bimah at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Manhattan, faced the congregation, and talked about death. It was the afternoon of Yom Kippur, a day when the reality of end of life is somewhat center. We...

Apr 19, 2022, 7:14 AM

Taking the “Un” Out of “Uncomfortable”

I was reviewing graphic designs for a new podcast that I’ll be hosting. Such things are never easy. These graphics often live in very compact, busy and competitive spaces — so a misguided creative decision could be problematic. This one seemed...

Mar 17, 2021, 11:29 AM

It’s Time to Elevate End-of-Life Conversations to Build Jewish Community

I was invited to speak to a group of interfaith couples about Jewish rituals and customs surrounding death. It was right around Purim, and the subject of hamentashen unexpectedly came up. So I went off on that tangent just...

About Me

Stephanie Garry is Executive VP of Communal Partnerships at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel in New York City, a non-profit institution founded by Jewish philanthropists and organizations. She serves as President of Elluminate, formerly the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York, and is on the board of The Hadassah Foundation and the lay advisory board of The New York Board of Rabbis. Stephanie is not a licensed funeral director, but uses her position, as well as her deep involvement as a Jewish lay leader, to write and speak about end-of-life issues and their place in the Jewish community. She hosts a monthly podcast, Exit Strategy, available on all major podcast platforms.