TEAM Shabbos wrap up – D

This past Parshas Vayechi (Jan 14, ’17) over 400 Shuls in over 200 cities across North America, dedicated their sermons, lectures, and general programming to promote traditional end-of-life choices. Some Shuls chose to focus on traditional burial vs. cremation, others focused on the value of a moment of life, and the necessity of having a Halachic Living Will. They chose from our thirteen topics of discussion, engaging their audience in whatever was appropriate for their congregation.

Through programming, lectures, Drashos, community events, newspaper and magazine articles, radio broadcasts and Parshah sheets, an estimated 100,000 people were impacted.

“The number of people who have been positively affected by this movement is astounding,” said Rabbi Zohn, director of NASCK. “The response has been incredible. There has been a clear and direct impact. People signing Halachic Living Wills, executing wills that are Halachically correct, purchasing plots, and so on. In truth, there is much more than that. The important message of the inestimable value of life – the significance and beauty of every moment of life – has been explored, expounded upon, and strengthened. The obligation to prepare and help others prepare appropriately for end-of-life – a very difficult topic indeed – is now being openly discussed.”

Rabbonim have expressed their appreciation to NASCK itself and to their own Chevra Kadisha members. Rabbi Tzvi Fried, Young Israel of Bedford Bay told us, ”NASCK provided a very important venue for people to hear and talk about these sensitive topics in a neutral and responsible manner. Thank you for all your hard work.”

Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, Marah D’Asra of “The BAYT” (Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto), stated, “I also had an opportunity this week to meet with some of the members of our Shul’s wonderful Chevra Kadisha. They shared with me the prayer service they perform when washing the Mes, and dressing him or her with the Tachrichim… The sensitivity, the love, the Rachmanus that goes into how the Chevra takes care of the deceased is truly remarkable.”

In turn, the response of the community has been overwhelming. Multiple communities have requested events, either directly with NASCK, or through our guidance. NASCK has also been bombarded with requests for EMES cards and Halachic Living Wills.

In addition, many calls have been coming in – from questions about best burial practices to guidance on how to stop a cremation.

Your help. Your commitment. Your partnership has made this TEAM Shabbos a great success.