Sometimes the question comes up: Who is behind “>Kavod V’Nichum was launched. David became volunteer Executive Director of the first North American multi-denominational organization to focus exclusively on the work of the Chevrah Kadisha.
He has been a catalyzing force behind “>Gamliel Institute, a comprehensive graduate level certification program to deal with all issues surrounding the end of life from a Jewish perspective.
I admire David for his vision, tenacity, and chutzpah. The number of people he has taught and inspired directly is impressive; the number of people who have been touched indirectly through his work is truly astounding.
He continues to nurture and mobilize a small army of ordinary folks who are reclaiming our fundamental principles of kavod hamet (honoring the deceased) and nichum aveilim (comforting mourners). Jewish tradition tells us that death is a communal event, and we are privileged to engage in Chesed Shel Emet – acts of true loving kindness, as we care for those who cannot repay us.
David’s unwavering commitment to this mission is extraordinary, and his contribution to Jewish living in communities across the country is Chesed in action. He has been able to embody and actualize his vision, and in the process, inspire many of us to do the same. So you were wondering who is it that in involved in this work, this is one of the preeminent examples.
Rena Boroditsky is the Executive Director of the Chesed Shel Emes, the non-profit Jewish funeral chapel and Chevrah Kadisha in Winnipeg, Canada. For fifteen years, she has been a student and teacher of end-of-life Jewish rituals. Rena has led sessions at Kavod v'Nichum conferences and at Limmud events in the US & Canada. She recently launched Death Cafe Winnipeg. She has served as a board member of Kavod v'Nichum, and has been a lecturer and student in the Gamliel Institute.
A TASTE OF GAMLIEL
The fourth session (Rabbi Goldie Milgram) will be on May 20th at 8 pm EST. All sessions will be recorded and available for (re-)viewing by those who are registered.
Chevrah Kadisha and Spiritual Care Conference
Planning to be in Israel May 5th 2015? If so, the American Kavod v'Nichum and its Gamliel Institute cordially invite you to attend a Chevrah Kadisha and Spiritual Care conference focused on traditional Jewish practices at the end of life.
Kavod v’Nichum Israel-American Kenes
Dignity, Simplicity, Comfort and Spirituality At Life’s End
What: A program of learning and an exchange of information focusing on Chevra Kadisha, Spiritual Care and end of life issues. (Program in English)
Why: To compare and contrast American and Israel end of life practices – funeral and burial planning, tahara, shmira, mourning; to learn from each other, share problems, network, strategize, brainstorm and explore working together.
For Whom: Chevra Kadisha administrators and workers, rabbis and rabbinic students, Israeli spiritual care providers; social workers, medical professionals, Chevra Kadisha students at Ariel University, advocacy groups, members of the national religious community, cemetery managers from kibbutzim, moshavim, civil and state sponsored cemeteries.
Sponsor: The Gamliel Institute of Kavod v’Nichum, an American non-profit organization that provides education and training for Chevra Kadisha groups.
When: Tuesday May 5, 2015
Time: 8:30am-5:00 pm
Where: Jerusalem – Yad Ben Tzvi – Ibn Gabirol Street 14
More Information: Contact Nomi Roth Elbert (nomire@gmail.com ) to be put on our mailing list.
UPCOMING GAMLIEL INSTITUTE COURSES
Starting in May:
Chevrah Kadisha: Educating, Organizing, & Training. Tuesdays. 12 online sessions. (Orientation session on Monday May 25th, classes start the 26th). 8-9:30 pm EDST. Working with and educating the members of the Chevrah Kadisha, your congregation, the community, other organizations, and the public. Includes undertaking a project that will have practical and real world effect, and will also serve as information and a resource for others. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Gamliel Institute Course 1, 2, or 5.
Chevrah Kadisha: History, Origins, & Evolution. Tuesdays, 12 online sessions (orientation session Monday, classes start the next day on Tuesday. Check the website for specific dates.), 8-9:30 pm EST. An examination of the modern Chevrah Kadisha from 1656 in Prague, through history, as imported to Europe, then the US, and as it has developed and changed over time, bringing us up to the present.
You can “>jewish-funerals.org/gamreg. Contact us for more information about scholarships or any other questions. info@jewish-funerals.org or call 410-733-3700.
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