Rabbi Blog

Shavua tov friends,

Parashas Vayechi has been established by the National Association of Chevra Kadisha as "TEAM Shabbos" - Traditional End-of-life Awareness Movement. Many communities across the country use this Shabbos to discuss end-of-life issues. While otherwise an unpleasant and inopportune topic to raise, the _____ creates an appropriate and sensitive opening for discussing critical issues.

While I will not be giving a drasha or shiurim this coming week, I did want to briefly bring up the following points:

• There will be many webinars this week dealing with end-of-life issues, where you will have the opportunity to hear from world experts. You can find out more here.
  
  
• I want people to be aware of resources available for anyone in aveilus r"l. I have been working with Chevra Lomdei Mishnah to acquire some, including an Basic Laws of Aninus, Concise Laws of Shiva, Practical Guide for Shiva Visits, To Comfort and Be Comforted: A Guide to the Mitzvah of Nichum Aveilim. I also have several other mourning related books, both halacha and hashkafa, that I would loan out. While I hope nobody needs these resources, please know they are available.
  
  

May we share in smachot together!

Bivracha,

Judah Kerbel
Rabbi, Queens Jewish Center