First Thursdays: Chevra Kadisha

Chevra Kadisha: A Jewish Opportunity for Communal Care at the End of Life

Join Sarit Wishnevski, the Executive Director of Kavod v’Nichum, to learn about the role of the Chevra Kadisha, the sacred communities of volunteers that come together at the end of life to care for the deceased and comfort the living through Jewish rituals and traditions. In this talk, Sarit will share the history of the Chevra Kadisha, its functions, the rituals of taharah (the ritual preparation of a decedent), shmirah (the guarding of a decedent), and nichum aveilim (comforting mourners), and examples of different modern Chevrei Kadisha in North America. Kavod v’Nichum is a national non-profit that empowers, educates, and trains Chevra Kadisha.

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First Thursday programs run from September through June! We plan to bring you guest speakers, including congregants and rabbis from around the country, to share their expertise on topics of interest. We will also include several discussions of films with Jewish themes.

Sponsored by our Adult Education Committee.