Testimonials
In her own words:
Four years ago, during the pandemic, I brought my mother from Michigan, her lifelong home, to Philadelphia so that I could manage her care and provide as much joy and quality of life as possible. From age 98 to 102, she lived in an apartment down the hall, and we interacted every day. I learned the “ropes” of meeting the needs of my dear, elderly, increasingly physically weak, yet mentally strong mother.
During the 40 years of serving as a rabbi, when I was spiritual leader of 2 congregations, worked as a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital and as a pastoral counselor, taught adults, children, and Christian seminarians, I was always drawn to those who sought pastoral care.
Although I retired from the congregational rabbinate 6 years ago, the privilege of caring for my mother has motivated me to seek a new vocation. To coach, consult, guide, and support other family caregivers-I feel that this would be the best way to honor her memory (she died in March 2025).
Although I have informally and voluntarily done this kind of helping for years, now I’m doing it in a more structured manner. I welcome the opportunity to share the wisdom and compassion with you as we collaborate in caring for your loved one.
– Rabbi Gila
“
“Rabbi Gila has decades of pastoral care experience. As a Board Member and leader at Temple Adas Shalom throughout her 12 year tenure, I personally witnessed the quality care that she provided to many members of our congregation.
Those she has worked with were dealing with age-related issues, including housing, mental and physical health challenges, hospitals and rehab facilities, family conflicts, and end-of-life decisions, to name a few.
She has developed strategies to assist families that are dealing with these kinds of issues, and brings her “toolkit” to each situation. Look to Rabbi Gila for assistance in navigating the difficult tasks in supporting elderly loved ones, bringing the appropriate resources to bear for your family.”
– Mark Wolkow
Immediate Past President of Temple Adas Shalom, Havre de Grace, Maryland
“
“Rabbi Gila has been a constant source of spiritual care, wisdom, and love through some of the most difficult seasons of our family’s life.
She welcomed my husband with grace even during times of separation, guided me through the painful process of leaving that marriage, and is supporting my daughters with deep compassion as I face serious illness.
She gently encouraged me to move in with my daughter, helping both of us find greater peace and connection. Her open-minded, nonjudgmental spirit has made space for each of us to be fully ourselves.
She is a trustworthy friend and confidant, a wise and adventurous soul, an innovative thinker in times of crisis, and a fierce advocate for justice. She doesn’t shy away from hard things. She grows into them, and helps the people around her grow too.”
“As our family’s rabbi, she stood with us when my daughter faced cancer, offering strength and presence not only to her but to all of us—including my Christian son-in-law, who now sees her as his own spiritual leader.”
– Kathy Lazarski, Congregational Member
“
“Rabbi Gila, a family member, is one of the first people I call when I need advice/guidance/encouragement and support.
Here is a silver lining of the pandemic narrative. Gila was worried about her mother Harriet being alone in Michigan, with a part-time caregiver. She was away from family and with no one able to travel to see her as they always had. Gila’s siblings were concerned that a move would disrupt her familiar surroundings as a 98 year old. My thoughts differed. I guided Gila to bring her mother to Philadelphia when an apartment opened in the building she was living in. She listened and came to the bold decision to relocate Harriet and her possessions. Gila arranged the entire journey for her mother, including logistics and all the care she would need medically and socially.
As always, she did this with thorough and seamless effort. After the move the miracle of life happened. This 98 year old thrived and became healthier and most importantly happier surrounded by love and support. Gila orchestrated the “symphony of life” for a person who could have easily languished and disappeared. She seemed to anticipate every need, but of course there were unexpected needs like a broken hip, and mini-strokes. Rabbi Gila was attentive and involved. For four precious years, there was always joy in that household. Harriet thrived and enjoyed the best end-of-life experience possible. Gila excelled in the daughter role, but also as a caregiver and life-assistant and promoter of all medical and social activities.
Her mother maintained her dignity and engaged in vivid storytelling with all who came in contact with her on a daily basis, thanks to Rabbi and daughter Gila Ruskin. Gila is a unique and compassionate person who exudes the professional qualities you desire to guide all your concerns related to care of special people in your life.”
Alice Fornari, EdD, FAMEE, RDN,HEC-C, ACC/ICF
Vice president, Faculty Development, Northwell Health
Associate Dean, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell
“
“My niece Leslie struggled with mental illness and had the great fortune to come under the wings of Rabbi Gila. Rabbi Gila was a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital where Leslie was being treated for a deep depression after her mother died. But it was far from us, her loving family.
For over 30 years after they met, Rabbi Gila continued to be her sister, her aunt, her friend, her advocate, her rabbi. Rabbi Gila opened up a world of faith and hope and joy to her.
I always knew that I could call Rabbi Gila if I was concerned or worried or even when Leslie told me her life was going well.
Rabbi Gila has a gift of profound caring, and anyone who has any time to spend with her will receive this gift. And it was a gift she gave to our family.
There are no words that can ever thank her for what she did for my niece, Leslie.”
– Schatzi Kassal, life coach