Role of the CHESED (lovingkindness) COMMITTEE
If a member is experiencing illness or loss, please contact Rabbi Jacobs or the Chesed Committee at chesedchair@chevreitzedek.org.
The Chesed Committee may do the following, per request of the mourner(s), if a member loses a family member (parent, spouse, sibling, or child):
The Rabbi may do the following, per request of the mourner(s), if a member loses a family member (parent, spouse, sibling, or child):
In other cases of need, the Chesed Committee will work with the member or family to determine the best means of support. This might include inviting congregants to provide support that is beyond the official scope of the Committee.
- Arrange for shiva service leaders, in conjunction with the Rabbi and Ritual Committee, if requested by the family;
- Communicate to the congregation the necessary information regarding a funeral and shiva;
- Help set up the house for shiva; and
- Provide the mourners with the traditional meal of consolation (traditionally eaten after the funeral), or a meal for a different time, or a gift card, or whatever the mourner prefers. Note: Our focus will be providing for the mourners, not shiva attendees, unless that is the request of the mourners.
The Rabbi may do the following, per request of the mourner(s), if a member loses a family member (parent, spouse, sibling, or child):
- When the Rabbi hears of a death, she will contact the mourner and determine what is needed regarding funeral and shiva arrangements, etc.;
- The Rabbi will arrange, if applicable, the delivery of a mourning candle, prayer books, chairs, and coat rack to the shiva house.
In other cases of need, the Chesed Committee will work with the member or family to determine the best means of support. This might include inviting congregants to provide support that is beyond the official scope of the Committee.
