08/12/2026
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
