Misaskim

Misaskim (Hebrew: מתעסקים‎‎[1][2] is an American Orthodox Jewish not-for-profit organization that provides services for the care of the dead and the needs and conveniences of mourners in accordance to Jewish law and custom.

This article is about the contemporary Jewish organization. For Jewish burial societies in general, sometimes called Misaskim, see Chevra Kadisha.

Misaskim
MottoAlleviating Tragedy with Compassion, Coordinating Crisis with Expertise
Formation2004
FounderJack Meyer
TypeNon-profit
ServicesBereavement assistance
LeaderMeir Weill
AffiliationsZAKA

Misaskim provides moral support and bereavement assistance to individuals experiencing crisis or tragedy. This is achieved by providing vital community services, which include safeguarding the dignity of the deceased, assisting the bereaved by providing free shiva-related services and supporting individuals during these times.[3]

History

Misaskim was founded in Brooklyn in 2004 by a group of Hatzalah (volunteer ambulance) members and other community activists who perceived the need to help families during the painful time when a loved one dies.[4] The small group decided to set up an organization with a twenty-four-hour hotline.[5] They named it Misaskim, which is the Ashkenazi pronunciation of a Hebrew word which means 'attendants', a term used for members of a Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society).[6] Over time, additional programs and projects were added to Misaskim's original services of helping the bereaved.[7]

Misaskim is directed by Yankie (Jack) Meyer, one of the organization's founders,[2][5][8] and Meir Weill.[9]

Services

During major catastrophes or accidents with Jewish casualties, Misaskim dispatches a team of volunteers to any location in the United States on a moment’s notice. Misaskim’s mourners' services ensure that the week of shiva (mourning) is a little bit more comforting and comfortable by providing aveilim (mourners) with necessities, from low chairs to Torah scrolls, from folding beds to fax machines.

Care for the dead

Misaskim safeguards the dignity of the deceased by advocating to prevent autopsies and/or cremation, and educating government officials and coroners regarding respect to the Jewish departed.

Mourner's needs

Misaskim provides items needed for observing Shiva after the death of an immediate family member. They provide low chairs, Siddurim, Sefer Torah, folding chairs, guide to the customs of Shiva, and many other items needed. They deliver these items free of charge.[4][9]

Crisis relief

When disaster or tragedy strikes, Misaskim deals with the situation in a professional, efficient manner that is acceptable to the law and respectful to the deceased. Trained volunteers clear crime scenes upon request by local law enforcement, find burial plots and arrange for the funeral, when necessary, and assists other Hebrew burial societies, providing sound systems, generator-powered lights for nighttime burials and solving many logistical problems in order to arrange a funeral in a timely manner.

Other services

Misaskim reaches out to the orphans of the recently deceased with a plethora of age-appropriate services, trips, gifts, and counseling, when necessary.

Relationships with other organizations

In 2007, ZAKA announced cooperation with Misaskim, effectively making Misaskim the American branch of the Israeli organization.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Home page". Misaskim. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  2. "שיתוף פעולה למען כבוד המת" [Cooperation for the sake of the honor of the dead]. ZAKA. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  3. Tannenbaum, Gershon (9 May 2007). "Misaskim Organization - Free Services For Families In Shivah". The Jewish Press. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  4. Benoff, Tzvi Aryeh (17 August 2011). "Misaskim: One Crisis at a Time". The Jewish Press. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  5. Spodek, Yaffi (12 June 2009). "Misaskim Chesed Organization Plans Local Expansion". The Jewish Star. 8 (24). pp. 1, 9. OCLC 798463902. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  6. Eisenstein, Judah David (1902). "Burial society". In Singer, Isidore; et al. (eds.). The Jewish Encyclopedia. 3. New York: Funk & Wagnalls. p. 437. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  7. Yated, September 22, 2010
  8. Hamodia Staff (28 February 2012). ""Never Give Up," Misaskim Director Tells Assemblage" (PDF). Hamodia. Daily IX (1992). pp. 1, 5. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  9. JV Staff (23 November 2012). "Misaskim Commemorates Opening of New Garage in Williamsburg". The Jewish Voice. 9 (47). Brooklyn, New York. p. 27. ISSN 2155-434X. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
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