
Over 400 Shuls in over 200 cities across North America once again dedicated Parshas Vayechi as TEAM Shabbos. With Drashos, Shiurim, Parshah sheets, news articles and events in communities from coast to coast, an estimated 100,000 thousand people were impacted. It is not too early to plan ahead. Please click here to sign up for the coming TEAM Shabbos. Encourage other Rabbonim and Kiruv workers to join as well.
“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, joining a Chevra Kadisha, 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.”
TEAM Shabbos has led Rabbonim to express their appreciation to NASCK itself and to their own Chevra Kadisha members as well. 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), who is a Cohen, 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 keep on coming in – from questions about best burial practices to guidance on how to stop a cremation.
Thank you for making TEAM Shabbos a great success. We look forward to increasing the number of Shuls this year and to broaden the focus of the topics. Please assist us with your participation, your ideas, Divrei Torah you contribute or direct us to, etc.
READ SOME OF THE MANY ARTICLES AND SOME PARSHAH SHEETS PRODUCED IN CONJUCTION WITH TEAM SHABBOS
MISHPACHA ARTICLE - GUESTLINES
Call to Action – Prepare Now for End-of-Life Decisions – By Rabbi Elchonon Zohn Full article HERE
HAMODIA - THE VALUE OF TEAM SHABBOS
What does TEAM Shabbos mean to you? – By Michael Korsinsky, Esq. Full article HERE
TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN - YATED NE'EMAN
A personal reflection on the battle of traditional burial. – By Roy S. Neuberger Full article HERE
THE JEWISH HOME - INTERVIEW WITH RABBI ZOHN
An in-depth understanding of the underpinnings of NASCK and TEAM Shabbos Full article HERE
QUEENS JEWISH LINK - ADDRESSING CREMATION
What is our responsibility? – By Rabbi Elchonon Zohn Full article HERE
Queens Jewish Link - To Live Beyond
Death is not the final stop, it’s a transition in our journey. – By Rabbi Dani Staum Full article HERE
Toras Imecha - Drawing up a Will
What is involved in creating a will according to Halachah? -By Dayan Shlomo Cohen Full article HERE
Pulse of Emunah - Importance of Burial
We know how important burial is. But how far are we willing to go? – By Rabbi Naftali Zions Full article HERE
Peninim on the Torah
The purpose of life. – By Rabbi A. L. Scheinbaum Full article HERE
The Torah Anytimes
Every moment of life is a precious gift. – By Rabbi Elchonon Zohn
The Jewish Body and Soul – By Rabbi Eytan Feiner Full article HEREThe Nachum Segal Show
Interview with Rabbi Benjamin Yudin – Audio Listen HERE
Calvary Hospital joined with NASCK, to host a TEAM Shabbos event. All aspects of end-of-life preparation and care were presented and explored.
Medical Halacha at the End of Life
What Every Rabbi Needs to Know – Part 1 Advance Directives Click here for Video
Medical Halacha at the End of Life:
What Every Rabbi Needs to Know – Part 2 – Hydration and Nutrition Click here for Video
Medical Halacha at the End of Life:
What Every Rabbi Needs to Know – Part 3 Pain Management, Delirium, and Palliative Care Click here for Video
In conjunction with Chazaq, NASCK ran a well attended Healthcare Proxy Sign-Up breakfast after TEAM Shabbos.
To will or not to will - Entire event
Responsible Decisions for Life Here and Hereafter Click here for Video
To will or not to will - Rabbi Krohn
Responsible Decisions for Life Here and Hereafter Click here for Video
To will or not to will - Rabbi Meirov
Responsible Decisions for Life Here and Hereafter Click here for Video