Mission Statement

The Chevra Kadisha of Cleveland was created to assist in defining, establishing, and achieving the highest degree of Kovod Hames (Respect for the Deceased) as defined by Jewish law.

Activities

Directory of Chevros Kadisha

Creating a registry of Chevros Kadisha, in the US and Canada in order to assist Chevros Kadisha, the clergy and the community to locate, communicate and work with other Chevros Kadisha, both pre-need and at-need.

Chevra Kadisha Directory

Education and Outreach to the Community at Large

Explaining the work of the Chevra Kadisha and the importance, meaning and beauty of traditional Jewish burial practices such as in-ground burial, Tahara, Tachrichim, etc.

Resources

Creation & Development of Programs

Creating specific, innovative programs geared to reducing the incidence of cremation, assisting in the burial of the indigent, and generally guiding Jewish people to traditional burial choices. Utilizing the NASCK network to see these programs advanced, taught, adopted and supported nationally.

Chevra Kadisha Training, Seminars & Conferences

Training individuals in the laws and hands-on techniques and procedures of Chevra Kadisha involvement in the hospital, funeral home, house of Shiva, etc. Local & regional conferences providing inspirational lectures, workshops and informational programming utilizing many media forms.

Website, Newsletter, Educational material

Maintaining an active webpage and publishing a newsletter, pamphlets, and other material that discuss Jewish laws, current practices, and all matters relating to burial in Halacha. Serving as a resource to clergy, Chevros Kadisha, funeral homes, cemeteries, all health-related agencies providing end-of-life services, and the community-at-large. Providing support and education, facilitating networking, and sharing information and experience.

Establishing New Chevros Kadisha

Helping in the establishment and development of new Chevros Kadisha in congregational and communal settings. Assisting in setting standards and recommended practices.

Halachic Hotline

Creating and maintaining a Halachic hotline for the purpose of answering questions from clergy or Chevra Kadisha members that arise prior to or during the Tahara process.

Ask the Rabbi

Grief & Bereavement

Helping the clergy and Chevra Kadisha members deal with their own emotions and the counseling of others with whom they interact. Utilizing the time of grief and bereavement to introduce and teach Jews the basic tenets of our faith.

Tracking, Developing & Assessing legal issues

Developing and supporting legislative initiatives that assist the work and goals of traditional Jewish burial practices and maintaining a watch for any legislative initiatives that could be hurtful to such goals.

Burying the Indigent (Mes Mitzvah)

Developing a North American network for addressing Jewish people who are indigent and/or without family. Making sure that the indigent is buried quickly and in accordance with Jewish law.

Board of Trustees

Yossi Klein
Nati Klein
Ellen Jacoby
Selma Helman
Sherrie Mendenhall

Rabbinic Board

Rabbi Baruch Hirschfield
Rabbi Nissim Abrin

Officers

Heshy Neiman

PRESIDENT

Tzvi Turner

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Eva Cohen

Chairperson

Esther Reichman

Chairperson

Contact

address: 3504 Bendemeer Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44118

tel: +1 216 371 5717

email: jsscleveland@gmail.com

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