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Chevra Kadisha
Outreach
General Interest
All
The tone and some ideas expressed in the following two articles may not represent the views of this organization. Nevertheless, they raise important issues of interest for every Chevra Kadisha.
Even in Death, Budget Cuts Take a Toll
The Wall Street Journal- January 24, 2011
Government budget cuts have reached the potter's field...(read more)
The Unfortunate Case of Ethel Baar:
NEW
No Burial for Ethel Baar, Rules Judge Solomon
Hamodia - January, 2011
Reprinted with permission
NEW
From Dust to Ashes
Mishpacha - January, 2011
Reprinted with permission
NEW
Last Rights
Ami - January, 2011
Reprinted with permission
Maintaining the Halachic, religious integrity of cemeteries affects many Chevros Kadisha and the entire Jewish community and is often fraught with conflicting interests and views.
Cemeteries Are Becoming New Challenge for Interfaith Families
Forward - June 09, 2010
Cemetery vandalism, often an expression of anti-Semitism, is unfortunately prevalent in Europe and parts of the US as well. Although this article is focused on Israel, where the responsibility is at least shared by government agencies, it highlights the need for every cemetery and Chevra Kadisha to be sensitive to this serious issue and address it, proactively if possible.
My Shocking Visit to Har Hazeisim
Hamodia - June 23, 2010
Laws, not Taboos
The Jewish Week
Rabbi Elchonon Zohn responds to an article that underscores the burgeoning epidemic of cremation in the Jewish community... (read article) (Rabbi Zohn Responds - Published in The Jewish Week, July 8, 2009)
Chronicle of a Death We Can't Accept
The New York Times - November 1, 2009
At a funeral directors' conference recently...(read more)
The Final Kindness
Mishpacha, September 16, 2009
Reprinted with permission
A Dry Run with Death
A practical, 12-point checklist to prepare for the inevitable.
The call came from my mother...(read more)
A Day in the life of ...
Hamodia, September 30, 2009
Reprinted with permission
The $25 million funeral
Mishpacha Magazine - December 21, 2005
Burial vs. Cremation
The unfortunate prevalence and recent increase in the incidence of cremation among Jewish people has recently been the focus of many articles in the media, both secular and Jewish. The following are a number of informative articles that address this issue from different perspectives. The knowledge and understanding of this issue is of importance to all Jews, particularly those involved in Chevra Kadisha.
Jewish Week- June 24, 2009
Jewish Journal- May 27, 2009
JTA- June 8, 2009
Mishpacha Magazine - June 24, 2009
Respect for A Sacred Society
Rabbi Elchonon Zohn
An elite club existed in the European shtetl, the membership of which ... (read more)
Traditional Jewish Autopsy Procedure
To be sensitive and responsive to the needs of the traditional Jewish family and community, ... (read more)
The Concept of Shmira
Many of the traditions and laws that pertain to the care and preparation of the Jewish dead are founded on two basic principles: ... (read more)
Applying “The Last Lecture” - Courtesy of Aish.com
If you had one last lecture to give before you died, what would it be? (read more)
What is a Jewish Funeral? A Comprehensive Explanation of Shmira (Watching) and K'vrua B'Karka (In-ground Burial)
English
Russian
What is a Jewish Funeral? A Comprehensive Explanation of Tahara and Tachrichim
English
Russian
What is a Jewish Funeral? A General Overview of Traditional Burial Practices
Tahara – the traditional preparation
The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity... (read more)
Interesting and Informative Books - a bibliography
Reading List for Chevra Kadisha - a brief list of books in English that cover different aspects of a death, consolation, and Chevra Kadisha. (read more)
Kivrei Tzaddikim in AmericaVisiting kivrei tzaddikim affords us an opportunity to forge a link with the Gedolim and tzaddikim of the past... (read more)
The Halachic Living Will
The current debate regarding health care reform will very likely impact on the health care decision making processes facing all of us and our families. It is not only the concern of the elderly and their families since, unfortunately, we all know that illness or accident can affect any family at any time. In light of this, it is of extreme importance that everyone fill out a Halachic Living Will which is designed to ensure that all medical and post-death decisions made by others on your behalf will be made in accordance with your wishes and the with the proper guidance of Jewish law and custom (Halacha).
Dignity for the Body, Peace for the Soul, an informational brochure explaining traditional Jewish Burial concepts.
Jewish Burial Wishes, a form where you can express your wishes for a traditional Jewish Burial. This form also contains all the pertinent information needed at the time of your passing.
To order this free brochure call us at (718) 847-6280
Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains (in New York State)
This form will allow a person to appoint an agent who will have the legal right to make decisions and carry them out. (read more)
Conflict, Coroners, Common Ground
Mispacha Magazine July 18, 2007
The Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association will be among the nations first to view a new PowerPoint presentation on the "Jewish view of Dignity of the Deceased..." (read more)
Landmark Autopsy Ruling may open the door for new legislation in Texas
A landmark decision was handed down in Houston, Texas last week as a judge ruled in favor of upholding the right of a Jewish family... (read more)
Divining Death’s Cause: “Virtual Autopsies” with 3-D Images
This procedure provides a way to avoid the traditional autopsy of cutting the body and using a new procedure with MRIs and Cat Scans. The issue of Virtual Autopsy (examination of a deceased person by CT and MRI) is gaining interest and recognition in many parts of the US and around the world. It holds great promise for us as an adjunct to a very limited autopsy or as an alternative to invasive dissection as the individual case may require.
US News and World Report 9/3/2006
The Tahara Process
This video walks us through the tahara process start to finish. (It is preceded by a one minute OU Radio ad.)
Launch Video
The Do Not Rely Order You Should Give: The Need to Prepare a Halachic Living Will
When there is a Will there is a Halachic Way"
Welcome and Introduction RABBI FABIAN SCHONFELD Rav, Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills
RABBI NOACH ISAAC OELBAUM Rav, Congregation Nachlas Yitzchok DeHumna
Launch Video