Chevra Kadisha Training DVD’s from Kavod v’Nichum

From the Third North American Chevra Kadisha Conference
Sunday Evening – June 5, 2005 – New York City

Chesed Shel Emet – The Kindness of Real Truth - DVD #1

Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky explains that the Chevra Kadisha is noted for its devotion, diligence and generosity,  The Chevra Kadisha helps the community by enhancing a communal life of service, spreading the observance of mitzvot, providing “radical hospitality”, and increasing spirituality.

In a profoundly moving talk, Blu Greenberg relates the story of her son J.J.’s death in Israel. Greenberg’s teaching combines intellectual eloquence with emotional intensity as she explains the caring of the Chevra Kadisha in Jerusalem, explores the role of women in funerals, and stresses the importance of organ donation.

Rabbi Kalmanofsky is the Rabbi of Congregation Ansche Chesed, a socially progressive, ritually traditional, and intellectually vigorous community on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Previously, he served as the Assistant Dean of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Blu Greenberg is an author and lecturer who has published widely on the issues of feminism, Orthodoxy, and the Jewish family. Her works include On Women and Judaism: A View From Tradition, and How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household, Since 1973, Greenberg has been active in the movement to bridge feminism and Orthodox Judaism and was the co-founder and first president of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. She chaired the first International Conference on Feminism and Orthodoxy in 1997 and the second in 1998.

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Advanced Tahara - DVD #2

“Kavod HaMes” and “Doing the best you can” – these concepts guide the actions of the Chevra Kadisha as it performs a Tahara. Jackie Stromer and Rabbi Moshe Epstein explore the complex issues that can occur in a Tahara. Together they discuss questions such as whether to remove IV’s, Foley catheters, false teeth, central line stitches, post autopsy stitching, steel stitches, neck tubes, ventilators, feeding tubes and nose tubes. They review how to control bleeding, proper handling of sharps, dealing with bed sores, drying by patting, dealing with fecal matter, preventing leakage and gastric distention. Practical suggestions are offered for removing tape times when using nail polish remover and alcohol can be helpful and using Monsels solution to stop bleeding. They comment on re-building the body, counting the twists, when not to pour, tisha kavin, one piece shrouds, and the use of spices.

 Rabbi Moshe Epstein is a leading expert on the halacha of Tahara and is the author of the Tahara Manual of Practices.

 Jackie Stromer belongs to two Chevra Kadishas in Teaneck, NJ as well as the volunteer ambulance corps. He has been involved in Chevra Kadisha work for over 20 years.

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 Expecting the Unexpected - Preparing the Chevra Kadisha for Physical and Spiritual Care in Large and Small Disasters - DVD #3

Rabbis Stephen Roberts, Zahara Davidowitz-Farkas, and Simkha Weintraub present a wide range of information about disasters. We are challenged to ask ourselves: What is the unexpected and why and how should we prepare for it? How can we be pro-active? What are strategies for building resilience? How can we be poised to help? What does the Chevra Kadisha do in a disaster? What is bereavement overload? What goes in a self-care kit?  

Rabbi Stephen Roberts, BCJC (Board Certified Jewish Chaplain) is the Associate Executive Vice President of The NY Board of Rabbis and the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. He is the Chairman of the Institute for Disaster Spiritual Care and a member of the American Red Cross Committee overseeing the provision of Disaster Spiritual Care.

Rabbi Zahara Davidowitz-Farkas, BCJC is the CEO of the Institute for Disaster Spiritual Care. She is active with the National Association of Jewish Chaplains, the American Red Cross National Committee Overseeing the provision of Disaster Spiritual Care.

Rabbi Roberts & Davidowitz-Farkas have been involved for many years in both providing disaster spiritual care and also the disaster preparedness training of clergy of all faith traditions in the New York area and around the country. Rabbi Roberts was the first Officer who set up the provision of ARC's Spiritual Care in New York through American Red Cross after 9-11. Rabbi Davidowitz-Farkas was ARC's staff member who oversaw the provision of spiritual care after 9-11. Rabbi Roberts was also involved in the provision of spiritual care after the American Airlines plane crash in Belle Harbour, NY.

Rabbi Simkha Weintraub is the Rabbinic Director of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, National Center for Jewish Healing and the New York Jewish Healing Center. He leads an on-going 9-11 support group. In his work, Rabbi Weintraub draws on Jewish spiritual resources to deal with illness, bereavement, and other life-transitions, joining the dialogue between psychology, social work, medicine, religion, and spirituality. 

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The set of 3 DVD’s (1, 2, and 3) may be ordered from the Kavod v’Nichum website or by calling 410-733-3700. Cost is $136.

This DVD was made possible by a generous donation from attorneys Neal Hirschfeld and Kenneth Sobel of the Ft. Lauderdale law firm Greenspoon Marder. Other contributors include individuals and Chevra Kadisha groups in North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Nevada and Tennessee.