Who is So Into Death?

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.