08/12/2026
We join many in honoring the life and work of Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, who died August 8 at the age of 87.
Dr. Remen was not directly associated with S4OM | S4OE, but her voice helped shape the broader understanding of whole-person care in which our own work has grown. For decades, she challenged healthcare professionals to look beyond diagnosis and treatment—to listen, to recognize the dignity of the person in front of them, and to understand that healing and curing are not always the same thing.
Her influence also reached into oncology massage education. Her writing has been used in oncology massage training to explore the difference between trying to “fix” another person and being present in service to them—an important distinction for those of us who work with people affected by cancer.
For those in our community who would like to know her work, we especially recommend:
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal — reflections drawn from her experiences as a physician, teacher, patient, and listener.
My Grandfather’s Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging — stories about service, relationship, kindness, and what it means to accompany one another through life.
And for a shorter introduction, her essay “In the Service of Life” is particularly relevant to those working in oncology massage, oncology esthetics, and supportive cancer care.
We honor Dr. Remen for a life spent broadening our understanding of what it means to care for another human being, and for the wisdom she leaves for those who continue that work.
One of Commonweal’s most beloved voices died Saturday, August 8. Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. co-founded Commonweal’s Cancer Help Program 40 years ago, and remained as Medical Director until her death. Her Healer’s Art program has reshaped how generations of physicians understand their calling. Her best-selling books reflect her storytelling ability—perhaps inherited from her much-loved rabbi grandfather—with her ability to listen to patients, students, and other humans navigating their journey.
Michael Lerner reflects: “Rachel had a sense of humor. She was a ‘world class shopper’ and dressed beautifully from vintage and used clothing stores. She spoke of ‘shopping as a spiritual practice.’ She loved detective novels. She was a fiercely devoted friend.
“Rachel wrote and spoke in words accessible to everyone, yet beneath the simple language was a deep access to mystery honed by living with serious illness for almost 70 of her 87 years.
“We have lost a great soul. But she is not gone. She lives with us in the mystery. She wants each of us to remember and honor our dignity as human beings in the full sense. As she frequently said, ‘Perhaps the purpose of life is to grow in wisdom and learn to love better.’”
Please join us in honoring Rachel's memory by following the linktree in bio: Share your thoughts and memories on Rachel's legacy page, explore a self-paced course of Rachel's New School conversations, register for her celebration of life on October 3, or donate to a fund in her honor. Thank you for joining with us in this time of grief and gratitude.
___
Photo: Rachel Naomi Remen with Rabbi Irwin Keller
