The Community Chaplain program is a vital asset to Colorado’s Jewish community, ensuring unaffiliated Jews across Colorado have access to spiritual guidance and support in times of need. JEWISHcolorado is pleased to announce that Rabbi Ben Last has agreed to serve as interim Community Chaplain effective immediately. This appointment ensures the Community Chaplain program will continue without interruption. Rabbi Eliot Baskin served in this critical role for over two decades and we join Jewish Family Service and the entire community in wishing him well and thanking him for his tremendous dedication.

Rabbi Last has served as Rabbi Baskin’s “backup” for many years and has already established strong working relationships with community hospitals, hospices, and correctional facilities. In addition to serving as chaplain, Rabbi Last will be assessing community needs to determine how to best meet the spiritual needs of the community moving forward. JEWISHcolorado and Jewish Family Service will use this input to convene those interested in the future of this program to identify a permanent solution.

JEWISHcolorado has funded this position because of its critical need in the community and will continue to fund this interim plan to ensure continued service.