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 establishment of this time to discuss these issues 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.
