Lifestyle/Community
The highest level of kindness
Last week I attended the Chev’s annual Zayin Adar dinner, always a heart-warming function. As usual the guests were made up of rabbonim, community leaders, donors, staff and most of all – because this event is really to honour and thank them – those who prepare the departed for burial, our Tahara workers.
MICHAEL SIEFF
Most of the people who do this holy work are volunteers and the custom is for them to fast on this day (the birthday of Moses) to atone for any possible disrespect they might have inadvertently shown towards a deceased person.
The sensitivity is great and the work itself is called Chesed Shel Emet, which roughly translates as true kindness because the beneficiaries can never repay, or even express appreciation for this final act of humanity. Purifying and clothing people who have passed away for their last journey on this earth is often not easy and it’s certainly not for everyone.
While there are many wonderful ways to give, this is considered the highest level of kindness.
Every human being is unique and we each want to help make the world a better, happier place in our own way. The good news is that there’s lots of room for personal expression in doing that. From money, to time and expertise, our incredible donors each give the best of what they have to offer. And under those headings are countless detailed approaches and projects which impart an individual stamp to their generosity. In my sixth year of serving as CEO of the Chev, I still can’t think of a single conduit for kindness we don’t offer.
To prove that point, today is the festival of Purim and I want to thank every reader who joined with thousands of others in our city to support out Matanot l’Evyonim charity programme. By fulfilling this mitzvah, you give us the honour of distributing your funds for you to the poorest Jews among us – because we know who, and where, they are.
May all our Purims be joyous and may our partnership continue to thrive!
Chag Purim Sameach!