Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) is most pleased to award David Jacobson the Anita and Dr. Barry Kinzbrunner Award for outstanding support of Jewish life and chaplaincy over many years. We are also excited to share that we are awarding the 2025 Ner Tamid Award for those who spread light and hope. .

David Jacobson founded Chicago Jewish Funerals in 1997 because he believed there was a need to provide aservice that was as attentive to the needs of the bereaved as it was to the strong traditions of the Jewish people. An active member of the Jewish community, David is a leading expert on Kavod Hamet, the Jewish traditions of honoring and respecting the dead. He is a frequent speaker at many of the Chicago area’s congregations, community groups and schools. He is often asked to speak to young people and their families about the dying process, Jewish funeral traditions and bereavement. David is a proud Jewish Funeral Director. 

Cantor Rabbi Dr. Rob Jury (he/him/his) is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Tikvah Center for Jewish Recovery & Healing, a state-licensed and Joint Commission-accredited addiction treatment program in Northbrook, Illinois. A licensed clinical professional counselor, certified alcohol and drug counselor, board certified chaplain with the Neshama Association of Jewish Chaplains, researcher, and educator, he specializes in mental health, addiction recovery, trauma, and the integration of spirituality in counseling. Rob is the is the Primary Investigator at the MIDRASH Lab at The Family Institute  of Northwestern University, where his research focuses on Jewish attunement in psychotherapy, spirituality in addiction recovery, and narrative practices. He is dedicated to creating compassionate, faith-informed spaces for healing and transformation. Rob also serves as the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Anshe Tikvah.

The awards will be presented at our annual conference awards dinner which will take place at 6:00 pm at the DoubleTree Chicago North Shore in Skokie, Illinois, May 13, 2025 at 6 pm.

NAJC is the association providing certification and continuing education to professional Jewish chaplains who reach many non-affiliated Jews while serving in hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, prisons, and other venues.  This important work often brings these people and their families back into a relationship with the Jewish community and provides them with strength during difficult times.  

You can help support this important work and honor David Jacobson and/or Cantor Rabbi Dr. Rob Jury, BCC at the same time by sponsoring a page or an ad in our virtual Journal.  Please click the green "Donate" button on this page. For your convenience, the virtual ad specs are attached as well as the ad blank. If you prefer, checks can be made payable to NAJC and mailed to NAJC, 4200 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137.

NAJC is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization.  All contributions are deductible as limited by the Internal Revenue Service.

Thank you in advance for your support of this holy cause.

 

Sincerely yours,

Allison A. Atterberry

NAJC Executive Director


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