Bnai Keshet Chevra Kadisha

For many years now, the Montclair Chevra Kadisha (“holy society”) has been quietly serving Bnai Keshet members, and those affiliated with all three shuls in our area. Organized and led by Bnai Keshet congregants, the CK works with families as death approaches, watches over the body after death (shmira) and prepares it for burial (tahara), and helps provide comfort and support to mourners in the community.

The work is, by ancient tradition, done anonymously. The community, writ large, provides – not any particular individuals – so a family in mourning need not, indeed cannot, feel any obligation to express thanks. On some views, the work of a chevra kadisha is considered the greatest of all mitzvot, as it can never be repaid, at least in this earthly realm. Even during the pandemic, rituals were innovatively modified and no call for the CK’s services went unanswered.

Our CK also has an associated Sacred Chanting Circle, which provides musical and spiritual uplift to the terminally ill and to those conducting taharas.

There are many ways to participate: chanting, sitting with a meit(a)(corpse), participating in tahara, sewing burial shrouds, and more. Those who have participated report it to be a deeply uplifting spiritual experience, in addition to providing a sacred service to the community. If you are interested in joining in this holy work, or just in learning more, please reach out to Norman Rosenblum or Craig Levine. 

And please reach out to Norman, Craig or the rabbis if your family or anyone you know would be interested in any of the CK’s services. We attempt to serve anyone who asks, shul member or not, Jewish or not, so long as the work need not be done very far from our area (“very far” being loosely defined, so err on the side of inquiring).

To contact Chevra Kadisha:

Email Norman Rosenblum or Craig Levine. 

Rabbi Ariann or Rabbi Elliott - 973-746-4889 or bnaikeshet@bnaikeshet.org