Misaskim (Hebrew: מתעסקים Mit'asḳim, attendants, a term used for members of a Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society); pronounced Misaskim in Ashkenazi Hebrew) is an American Orthodox Jewish not-for-profit organization founded in 2004 that provides services for the care of the dead and the needs and conveniences of mourners in accordance to Jewish law and custom. Misaskim also provides help during situations of crisis. Misaskim is directed by Rabbi Yankie (Jack) Meyer, one of the organization's founders, and by Rabbi Meir Weill. In January 2017, Rabbi Yosef C. Golding, formerly COO of Agudath Israel of America, was hired as Executive Director.
Contents
- History
- Services
- Care for the dead
- Mourners needs
- Crisis relief
- Other services
- Relationships with other organizations
- References
Misaskim provides support and assistance to individuals experiencing crisis or tragedy 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. Their services include moral support and bereavement assistance to help alleviate challenges during crisis or loss.
History
Founded in 2004 by a group of volunteer ambulance members (Hatzalah) and other community activists, the need arose to help families during the very painful time when a loved one passes away. The small group decided to set up an organization with a twenty-four-hour hotline, calling the organization Misaskim. Over time, additional programs and projects were added to Misaskim's original services of helping the bereaved.
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.
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.