Are You Aware – Brochures

One of the most common requests we receive at NASCK asks for our assistance to educate Jews who are secular with little or no knowledge of Judaism and to help them explain the goals and the meaning of Chevra Kadisha practices and the importance of traditional Jewish burial. To meet this need, NASCK has created and distributed a series of brochures with lucid explanations and vivid graphics that provide an overview to a variety of topics.

Our traditional burial brochures include “Jewish Burial = Green Burial,” “Cremation or Burial: Frequently Asked Questions,” based on the book by Doron Kornbluth, and “Cremation: Truth and Consequences.” These brochures discuss the various reasons people might choose cremation over burial, and the traditional Jewish response.

NASCK also provides “Dignity for the body, Peace for the Soul,” a brochure that clearly elucidates the function and responsibility of the Chevra Kadisha and clarifies the importance, meaning and beauty of Taharah, Shmirah and K’vurah. A form in the back records all the important information one needs to know when someone dies as well as the clearly stated “Burial Wishes” to be buried in accordance with these procedures. This is especially important in families with diverse opinions of what should be done.

Additionally, NASCK provides a Kaddish brochure, which describes the benefit of saying Kaddish, both for the deceased and the living. NASCK can arrange Kaddish to be said when the bereaved family is unable to do so.

These brochures have been sent out all over the English speaking world – from Australia to Israel to New York. Rabbis and others involved in Kiruv use them as another tool in fighting cremation and explaining the concepts of traditional Jewish burial. Chevros Kadisha find them to be invaluable as a way to open the conversation and explain the importance of Shmirah and Taharah. Some funeral homes and cemeteries request and display them, giving them an opportunity to educate and better serve their Jewish clientele.

Although a donation is always appreciated, through the efforts of our donors, NASCK has been able to provide these brochures, with a display case, free of charge. We suggest placing them in your community, in funeral homes and cemeteries, Kiruv Centers, JCC lobbies and wherever Jewish educational materials are displayed. We are happy to share them with you upon request, and would love the opportunity to do so. To order, please click here.