Chesed Shel Emes Resources

We provide a range of resources including an extensive library, public education opportunities and links to organizations. We serve as a community Geniza, storing sacred books and ritual items which must be buried, and we facilitate book burial ceremonies as needed.

Learn About Jewish Tradition

The Jewish values with which we live are also exemplified at the end of life: Equality of all persons, an emphasis on simplicity and a lack of ostentatiousness, a realistic and practical approach, respect for the body which housed the soul, community support, and faith.

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Jewish Funeral Practices: The 5 Components

1. Shmira
The deceased is accompanied by friends and family until the burial.
2. Tahara
An ancient ritual of washing, purifying and dressing the dead with prayer and intention.
3. Tachrichim
Burial garments are simple white cotton, symbolizing equality, simplicity and humility.
4. Aron
A kosher casket is made entirely of wood, with no nails or metal hinges.
5. Kvura B’Karka
The return of our remains to the earth through burial is a Biblical commandment.
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Attending a Jewish Funeral

The Hebrew word for funeral, Levayah, translates to accompaniment, as we accompany the deceased to the grave and ensure the burial is complete.

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Psalms, Prayers & Poems

Tehillim, the Book of Psalms, are part of the Jewish Bible (Ketuvim) and have been used for centuries by many faith traditions. The 150 psalms, poems and songs reflect the full range of human experience — from the depths of anger and despair to moments of awe and gratitude.

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Other Resources

Adas Yeshurun Herzlia

Adas Yeshurun Herzlia is a Modern Orthodox congregation that believes in the philosophy of Torah u’Mada – a commitment to Torah and Halacha along with intellectual openness

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Advance Care Planning, Province of Manitoba

Advance care planning is a way to help you think about, talk about and share your thoughts and wishes about future health care.

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Canadian Virtual Hospice – Manitoba

Information and support on palliative and end-of-life care, loss and grief.

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Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg

Serving Winnipeg's Jewish community for over 40 years!

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Congregation Etz Chayim

Congregation Etz Chayim, formed in 2002 as a result of the amalgamation of three synagogues, is the focal point of Jewish life in Winnipeg’s north end. Etz Chayim is an egalitarian Conservative congregation committed to prayer and spirituality, learning and tradition, and acts of loving kindness.

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Kavod v’Nichum

Kavod v'Nichum (Honor and Comfort) encourages and assists the organization of bereavement committees and Chevra Kadisha groups in synagogues and communities so that they can perform Jewish funeral, burial, and mourning mitzvot protect and shield bereaved families from exploitation and provide information, education and technical assistance.

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Ematai

Navigate healthcare choices with Jewish wisdom

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Jewish Child and Family Service

Jewish Child and Family Service strives to be the place in the community, where all voices are heard and needs are realized

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Jewish Federation of Winnipeg

Federation is created and shall be operated as the representative body of the Winnipeg Jewish Community, acting on behalf of our community and in support of the State of Israel and "Klal Yisrael" and, in accordance with Jewish values, to foster and maintain a strong and united Jewish community in order to provide for the culture, continuity, religious practice, spirituality, survival and welfare of Jewish life while respecting its diversity.

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Jewish Foundation of Manitoba

The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba is a public foundation that manages a growing endowment fund that exceeds $100 million. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $48.5 million in grants and scholarships in the local community and across Canada.

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Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada

The Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada is an incorporated non-profit multi-faceted organization involved in preserving, documenting, interpreting and sharing Jewish heritage.

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My Jewish Learning

Explore Jewish Life and Judaism at My Jewish Learning, your go-to source for Jewish holidays, rituals, celebrations, recipes, Torah, history, and more.

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Palliative Manitoba

Palliative Manitoba is a registered charity that is keenly focused on improving living until the end of life.

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Rady JCC

The Rady Jewish Community Centre aspires to be a vibrant and welcoming community where Jewish culture and values flourish, where families and friendships are strengthened, where healthy and active lifestyles are encouraged, and where we contribute to the well-being of the entire community by ensuring our programs and services are available to all.

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Shaarey Zedek Synagogue

Shaarey Zedek Synagogue is a centre for Conservative Judaism that welcomes the community to experience spiritual growth, continuing education and the enrichment of lifecycle events.

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Shiva – The Resource for Jewish Mournning

Learn about Jewish mourning, shiva traditions, customs and more.

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Temple Shalom

A Spirited, Intimate Reform Jewish Community in Winnipeg

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The Canadian Jewish News

The Canadian Jewish News (CJN) is a not for profit media organization, serving the Jewish community, by providing a platform for diverse points of view, on subjects of interest and relevance.

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The Jewish Daily Forward

The Forward delivers incisive coverage of the issues, ideas and institutions that matter to American Jews. Its rigorous reporting and balanced commentary on politics, arts and culture have won numerous awards year after year, including repeated recognition by the Society of Professional Journalists.

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The Jewish Post and News

Winnipeg's Jewish newspaper that provides news of interest about Winnipeg's Jewish community and beyond in a frank and interesting manner.

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The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre

The Simkin Centre is a nonprofit personal care home that provides high quality care and services to its residents in accordance with Jewish values and traditions, including a commitment to kedushah/sanctity, derech eretz/respect for all people, and kavod/honour due each person.

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Zaka International Rescue Unit

ZAKA is Israel’s primary rescue and recovery volunteer organization, with thousands of volunteers on call 24/7 to respond to any terror attack, accident or disaster. ZAKA volunteers also work in specialist search and rescue units on land and sea and the UN-recognized ZAKA International Rescue Unit operates at mass casualty incidents around the world.

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