MAX CHAIKEN
Teaneck,NJ
Summary
Board-certification eligible chaplain currently completing Clinical Pastoral Education residency in a Level 1 trauma and academic medical center. Ordained Reform rabbi with extensive pastoral care experience supporting individuals and families through illness, grief, end-of-life decision-making, and major life transitions. Skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration, spiritual assessment, and narrative charting within hospital systems. Committed to compassionate, culturally responsive interfaith and Jewish spiritual care.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Chaplain Resident
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
New Brunswick, NJ
01.2025 - Current
- Provide interfaith spiritual care in Level 1 trauma academic medical center
- Respond to crisis consults across ICU, emergency department, and inpatient units
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on routine rounds, ethical consultations, family meetings, and spiritual care for hospital staff
- Conduct spiritual and religious assessments and complete narrative documentation within Electronic Medical Record
- Assist patients in advanced care planning including education and spiritual consultation
- Participate in on-site overnight on-call chaplain coverage and crisis response
- Engage in intensive Clinical Pastoral Education formation including peer reflection, case presentation, and pastoral supervision
Chaplain Intern
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Provided spiritual care to pediatric patients and families in a major children’s hospital
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds and pastoral education seminars
- Developed foundational clinical pastoral care skills and reflective practice
Rabbi
Temple Emanuel
Andover, MA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Served in full-time congregational ministry, including responsibilities and oversight for worship, music, education, programming, and operations as well as pastoral counseling and spiritual care across full lifecycle in both urban and suburban communities
- Supported individuals and families navigating a wide range of challenges, including illness, medical and familial crises, life transitions, loss, grief, and mourning
Associate / Assistant Rabbi
Congregation Kol Ami
West Hollywood, CA
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Led pastoral support groups for HIV+ individuals and people in caregiver roles
- Collaborated with clergy colleagues and community partners in diverse settings
- Offered spiritual counseling, ritual leadership, and community care initiatives
Education
Master of Science - Economics and Public Policy
Brown University
Providence, RI05-2009
Rabbinic Ordination -
Hebrew Union College
Los Angeles, CA05-2018
MA - Hebrew Letters
Hebrew Union College
Los Angeles, CA05-2016
BA - Economics and Public Policy
Brown University
Providence, RI05-2009
Skills
- End-of-life care
- Family support
- Multicultural competence
- Worship leadership
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Hebrew
Professional Working
Timeline
Chaplain Resident
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
01.2025 - Current
Rabbi
Temple Emanuel
01.2021 - 01.2023
Chaplain Intern
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
06.2016 - 08.2016
Associate / Assistant Rabbi
Congregation Kol Ami
01.2016 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Economics and Public Policy
Brown University
Rabbinic Ordination -
Hebrew Union College
MA - Hebrew Letters
Hebrew Union College
BA - Economics and Public Policy
Brown University