Many new things are happening!
Steve’s Corner
We’re close to launching our updated website along with our new name and branding. It’s been a lot of work, but we know it’s worth. Thanks especially to Birgitta for leading the project. And to our Outreach committee volunteers: Stefanie, Marcia, Jodee, Jonathan, and Nicole. We want to more accurately reflect the geographic scope of our service and to present a better organized, easier to use and updated set of information. Soon our newsletters will be available on the website also. We think you’ll love it as much as we do.
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries
We’re excited to announce that we’ve been awarded a second grant from Mount Sinai Memorial Parks, the proceeds of which will be used to support VCK’s educational programs. Our dual mission is to provide service and to educate. Mount Sinai’s generous support will go a long way to helping us reach more people who are interested in our beautiful Jewish end-of-life traditions. Thank you to all our friends at MSMP. We look forward to working with you again.
Volunteer’s Story
Each of our volunteers has their own unique story. Send me yours: sporetzky@valleychevrakadisha.org. Here’s Jim’s story: Let me say it up front. I am not passionate about end-of-life issues. But I am dedicated to the Jewish community and I strive to perform mitzvot and acts of loving kindness. So when my rabbi at Adat Ari El (a synagogue in Valley Village) asked four years ago that I attend a meeting to discuss the formation of the Chevra, I did not hesitate to join. Since then, I have served on the leadership team to help set the Chevra's policies. I have also engaged in shmira and tahara. Those mitzvot bring comfort to bereaved families and facilitate the journey of the departed's soul into the next world. Dayenu, it would be all be worthwhile for those reasons alone. But my work with the Chevra has meant a whole lot more. It has changed the way I face life, improved my approach to other people, and eased anxiety about death. My Chevra experience guided me as my brothers and I faced the recent passing of our mother. I am grateful and heartily recommend that anyone participate in a way that they are comfortable.