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| | | VOLUME I / ISSUE 3 March 2011 / Adar II, 5771 | |
| Dear Friend, We hope you find this newsletter informative. Please forward this issue to all of your chevra members and encourage them to subscribe and receive our newsletter directly (see column on left to subscribe or forward.) We wish everyone a meaningful Zayin Adar and a Freilichen Purim. |
| EDITORIAL D'varim M'Rosh - Director's Message Rabbi Elchonon Zohn | | | At this time of year -- in the season of ז' אדר -- those of us involved in חסד של אמת become inspired. On the one hand, it is a humbling time as we recognize how privileged we are to be a part of this unique מצוה. On the other hand, though, it is a time for inspiration and satisfaction as we contemplate the significant difference our work makes for the נשמות of those we care for and the families whose burden of personal grief we help alleviate. It is also a time for analysis. How well are we doing in fulfilling our responsibility? Is there anything we can improve upon? Therefore some of us fast, recite סליחות, and follow the מנהג in many Chevros Kadisha to review our practices at this time. In some Chevros Kadisha it is customary to institute (read more) |
HALACHAH - CUSTOMS CORNER Addressing Important Issues Relevant to Chevros Kadisha
Rabbi Avraham Steinberg | | | Memorial Prayers and The Jewish Name Names are not - as people think - by chance, i.e., that one's father called him that name by mere chance.Rather, they are all by Divine decision: G-d decides what the true essence of the person is and he puts the corresponding name in his father's mouth... (Sefer Amudei Hashamayim, citing the Arizal) ...And when he mentions his name in [a prayer on the day of] Rest, after his death, he should do so with great intensity (kavana) for speech in the lower realms effects things in the higher realms very much...and especially if the deceased will be mentioned by his son or his relative, and in the synagogue where he used to pray, and how much more so if he built it or made dedications to it - that this all helps to make his soul dwell in pleasure... (Sefer Maavor Yabok, Sifsei Renanos, chapter 23) The Eternal Name There is something beautiful and sublime about one's Jewish name. Given in infancy (generally), it accompanies the person throughout his or her lifetime, and remains important even after death. The Jewish name is used in the prayers recited during burial preparation (traditionally in the Chamol prayer at the beginning of a Tahara, as well as in asking forgiveness before closing the casket), and also in memorial prayers and on the grave inscription. Father's name or Mother's Name? ...And save the son of Your maidservant... [Tehilim 86:16] In Jewish practice we identify someone not by a last name, but by a parent's name. (read more) |
| CHEVRA KADISHA IN HISTORY: The Pollak Collection | | |  Chevra Kadisha Pail
Sterling silver Chevra Kadisha pail from Baghdad, Iraq. This Chevra Kadisha Pail was found buried near Basra, Iraq approximately two years ago and was purchased by the Pollak Collection from a soldier. Hallmarks indicate that it is approximately 130 years old. This exquisitely beautiful hand crafted pail is in excellent condition and is decorated with beautiful chiseled eagles with black cloisonné enameling.(click here to see an enlarged image)
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| PICHIFKES AND TAKANOS Taking small steps on the road to perfection | | | Suggested Takanah #3: Saving blood in an orderly way One of the most complex issues facing every Chevra Kadisha involves the saving of blood that leaves the body post-mortem. While there is a question among the Poskim (Halachic authorities) as to what needs to be saved, it is clear that the overwhelming majority of Chevros Kadisha in the United States customarily save blood that flows after death. Toward this end, we suggest the following very practical techniques: 1. When cleaning blood with a cloth, use a damp cloth rather than one that is sopping wet. This will permit you to clean the blood without concern of bloody water dripping from the cloth, running down the table and possibly getting lost. 2. Lay out a clean cloth on a counter or any designated area in the Tahara room where all blood and blood-stained objects will be placed and kept until they are put in the Aron (casket) at the end of the Tahara. Benefits: (read more) |
| NEWS AT NASCK: WHAT WE ARE DOING | | | NEWS AT NASCK: What We Are Doing The National Association of Chevra Kadisha office continues to work hard to assist Chevros Kadisha everywhere, to promote K'vuras Yisroel K'halachah and Kavod Hames. Here is a summary of some recent activity. Education - NASCK continues to lecture and educate many Chevros Kadisha around the country. Recent lectures include Stamford, CT, Toronto, Ont., Washington Heights, NY, Baltimore, MD, Passaic, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA and Cincinnati, OH. We now interact daily with an average of 10-12 Chevros Kadisha across all of North America and beyond (Sweden, Hong Kong & Australia in the last few days). The questions range from difficult Tahara situations, to questions regarding cemeteries, burial, imminent and recent death, how to encourage and ensure the proper K'vura of uneducated Jews, burial of those without family or funds, etc. Registering Chevros - We are continuing to build our database of Chevros Kadisha in order to (read more) |
| RESOURCES AND EDUCATION | | Need a mishnayis sign-up sheet? Nichum Aveilim sign for shiva home? We've recently updated our website with many resources that are very useful.
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| COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? | | Do you have a comment or question that you would like NASCK to address? We are always happy to hear your comments.
Email us at contact@nasck.org |
| | National Association of Chevra Kadisha 85-18 117th Street |
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