anschechesed.org

Ansche Chesed means people of loving kindness, and this is expressed in a special way in with how we care for the dead and for mourners in our community. We believe that the members of the community are responsible for those who have died, and to comfort for those left behind. An extensive network of member volunteers provides for these needs, provides support of all kinds to members and their families who have lost loved ones.

Our Chevra Kadisha performs tahara, the ritual purification of the met, or physical remains of the dead. Members serve as shomrim, watching over the met for the full period before the funeral so that it is not alone as it prepares for its final journey. We believe that having our own members perform these mitzvot treat the body of the deceased with love, dignity, and respect.

After the funeral, we organize shiva minyanim at the homes of mourners so that they can say kaddish and have a steady stream of visitors to comfort them. In addition, our members prepare meals for those in mourning during the shiva period. We believe that our personal support for those who have suffered a loss eases the mourning period, reintegration into the community and the transition back to daily life.

We welcome your participation. Any member of the community can sit shmirah (watching over the body before the funeral), be part of a shiva minyan, or help with a meal. Please contact the committee chairs if you would like to learn about volunteering. To help with tahara (preparing the body), contact David Fishman or Elisheva Urbas. To help with shmirah, shiva meals or to learn about participating in shiva minyanim, contact Renee Barocas.

In case of a death, please call Rabbi Lewis Warshauer (interim rabbi during Rabbi Kalmanofsky's sabbatical) at 212.865.0600 ext. 210 or 917-602-7549.