Articles and webinars

As you read this, Zoltán Jakal is guiding planes at the airport in Churchill, Manitoba. He recently moved north after three years in Winnipeg—a time during which he performed about 50 taharas at Chesed Shel Emes.

Erica Dean and partner David Thompson recently toured Chesed Shel Emes as part of an introductory course about Judaism from Congregation Shaarey Zedek. For Dean, an articling lawyer, this was her first exposure to Jewish burial traditions.

When Adam Lavitt passed away in 2013, his loving wife Judith was standing by his side as pieces of broken pottery were placed on his eyes—in accordance with Jewish tradition—and the simple wooden casket was closed.

I used to read some of the eulogies my father wrote before he delivered them. I was struck by the warmth of his words and by his deep desire to bring comfort to mourners.

To help stimulate conversation about death, dying, and Jewish burial practices, Chesed Shel Emes is sponsoring the May 23 screening of “To Dust” as part of the Rady JCC’s Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival.

“Donors have been engaged and interested throughout the campaign,” says Rena Boroditsky, Executive Director of Chesed Shel Emes. “We are seeing gifts of all sizes from donors of all ages from Winnipeg and from outside of the city.”