Chevra Kadisha News - Published by Kavod v'Nichum
Kislev 5763 - November 2002 - Over 300 subscribers
The third book in the EKS Chesed series, K'vod Hamet - A Guide for the Bereaved by Rabbi Stuart Kelman uses the principles of k'vod hamet (respect for the dead) and nichum aveilim (consoling the mourners) as reference points to explain Jewish customs regarding burial and funeral preparations, grieving, and comforting a mourner The booklet is appropriate for synagogues to provide to their members. It sells for $4.95 each with a 20% discount for any combination of 25 of the Chesed books. Order at 877- 743-2739 and mention KvN.
The enhanced edition of the Tahara Manual of Practices including Halacha Decisions of Hagaon Harav Moshe Feinstein, zt'l, by Rabbi Mosha Epstein of Bridgeport, CT and Published by the Chevra Kadisha Zichron Shabtai Leib of Greater Bridgeport is now available for purchase From Kavod V'Nichum for $18 (bulk pricing also available). This manual provides detailed instruction concerning how a Tahara is performed and some of the reasons why these customs are observed. The Tahara Manual also covers issues related to Availus learned from HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein.
There are two new articles are on our web site under Cemetery and Burials. They are The Cemetery Nobody Wants and Fully Funded Cemetery Maintenance Funds - Now and Forever.
Alison Jordan, an oncology nurse and psychotherapist focused on end of life care, is putting together a handbook on Viddui, the deathbed Confessional. She would appreciate hearing from anyone who has ideas about either English translations of Maavar Yabok or documentation of use of Vidui or related Jewish practices accompanying death during the Holocaust years.
Responsa from the Holocaust contains over 100 short articles, some of which deal with issues of tahara and burial during the holocaust.
Last month we reported that the Jewish Funeral Directors Association (JFDA) had produced a video showing a Tahara, but did not want publicity about the video. We have two updates on this topic. Rabbi Joseph Ozarowski writes to correct an error in that article. "The Tripartite Commission is cosponsored by the Rabbinical Council of America (the RCA) not the Rabbinical Association (there is no such group)."
On October 29, 2002 we received a press release from the JFDA announcing the release of an educational resource video entitled "Tahara - the Ultimate Kindness". (On their web site the video is titled "The Ultimate Kindness - Chevra Kadisha And Torah"). The press release says that the intent of the video is to serve as a guide for the individuals in communities who have the responsibility of providing tahara for the deceased. It is also a valuable educational asset for those who may be considering the formation of a Chevra Kadisha. The video sells for $30.00 plus $10.00 s/h. You may be able to locate the video through a JFDA member funeral home or rabbis affiliated with the Orthodox Union.
Jewish Family Service of Greater Albuquerque coordinates the citywide Chevra Kadisha. Caitlin Hecsh writes, "We are looking for information, and a template, for a "Certificate of Tahara." Can you help me find such a thing? What is the protocol? who is it provided to? etc. Thank you in advance!"
The hearing for class certification in the Menorah Gardens Cemetery desecration case was continued at the request of SCI.
Rabbi Regina Sandler-Phillips writes, "You may want to let people know that the family of J.J. Greenberg z"l arranged for donation of his organs and tissues to several recipients, one of them Palestinian…. It appears that Jewish rates of organ and tissue donation are below those of the general population, even though Jews are recipients in numbers that do reflect our percentages in the general population. A lot of end-of-life education needs to be done around this particular set of issues." A memorial website may not be active, but the archived version can be viewed.
Interesting Web Sites:
ITIM - The Jewish Life Information Center based in Jerusalem provides information and direction at critical moments in the life cycle. Click on their "burial" section for information on Israeli practices regarding funerals and burials - it is quite extensive and informative.
ZAKA, which was founded in 1995, is an acronym for Zihui Korbanot Ason, Hebrew for Identification of Disaster Victims. ZAKA ensures that people who die unnatural deaths, either in terrorist attacks or other forms of tragedy, are identified and buried according to Jewish tradition. Today, however, the organization places equal emphasis on providing emergency medical assistance to victims at the scene of a tragedy.
Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council provides training and other resources for organizers and volunteers. They held their 15th Annual Bikur Cholim Conference last week. It was well attended with excellent speakers.
Bikur Cholim Around The World puts you in touch with Bikur Cholim groups in the United States and other countries - based in Monsey NY.
Machon Ot repairs and restores Torah scrolls.
Last month David Klapper Chair of the Beth El Chevra Kadisha in Durham, NC asked about book burial etiquette. We're still looking for responses. Here are some geniza articles to stimulate your thinking. A geniza is an area in which worn-out or illegible Jewish sacred literature is stored, prior to actual burial in a Jewish cemetery. In the Orient generally, shemot are from time to time deposited temporarily in some corner or cupboard of the synagogue, often below the ark or "almemar." When the collection grows too big, or when some special occasion arises, such as a drought, the papers are solemnly gathered up and carried off to the "bet ayyim" and buried there with some ceremony. With this custom is associated the far older practise of burying a great or good man with a "sefer" which has become "pasul" (unfit for use through illegibility or old age). Read the whole article.
Why build a database of Chevra Kadisha groups? To know you exist and to learn how to reach you. Please complete the contact form on our website. If any reader knows of a Chevra Kadisha, help us get in touch with them. Or if you'd like to do a survey of Chevra Kadisha groups in your area, let us know that too. We appreciate any assistance.
Kavod v'Nichum needs individual and organizational support for our work. Our Founding Member Campaign is raising $100,000 to match foundation grants. Founding members will be praised and thanked and listed on our web site. Shomer - $5-10,000 from non-profit funeral homes or $1,000 from Chevra Kadisha groups, bereavement committees or other groups or Chaverim - $360 from individuals. Todah Rabah (thank you) to all of the shomrim (guardians) and chaverim (friends). Please make out your contribution to Kavod v'Nichum and send it to 8112 Sea Water Path, Columbia, MD 20145 or call David Zinner at 410-799-8070 or e-mail to zinner@jewish-funerals.org for more information.
On-line credit card donations can be made now.