A Note from Johnny Lee
(from the March 2007 Newsletter [pdf]
Paul writes in this issue's President's Column about the work of the Chevra Kaddisha of our congregation, a group of volunteers tending to the ritual needs of the deceased. It is a special mitzvah, done without any thought or possibility of repayment (which is not to say that it is done without reward.) Members are trained to handle the body of the deceased ("met" or "metah") respectfully, safely and in accordance with Jewish law and tradition. It tends to be a small number of men and women for whom this work is suited, appealing to those with the constitution, spiritual bent and flexible schedules required to answer the call at a moment's notice.
Then there is the work of the shomrim, the larger, spontaneously assembled group of "guards" who sit near the coffin of the met/metah after the Chevra’s work is finished until the burial. This is also holy work, requiring some creative scheduling (often with a few middle of the night shifts), but without the need to deal directly with the body of the deceased, and with no prior training required. Paul bears touching witness in his article to the impact of the sh'mira experience.
If you would like to know more about the work of a Chevra Kaddisha or of sitting shomer, you can contact Faith and she will put you in touch with the appropriate person. There are periodic training sessions which give new membersthe opportunity to learn the practices and rituals. For sitting shomer, you only need to respond to the need when it arises and Faith sends out an appeal to our membership e-mail list. It is an honor to serve our sisters and brothers in these ancient ways.
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