Misaskim (Hebrew: מתעסקים)[2][1] 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. Misaskim provides moral support and bereavement assistance to individuals or families, while safeguarding the dignity of the deceased. They assist the bereaved by providing free shiva-related social links and lending religious articles.[3][4] Their door signs at houses of mourning inform the public of the hours during which the mourner wishes to be visited.[citation needed]
| Formation | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jack Meyer[1] |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Services | Bereavement assistance |
| Leader | Meir Weill |
| Affiliations | ZAKA |
| Website | www |
History
editMisaskim 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.[5] The small group decided to set up an organization with a 24-hour hotline.[6] 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).[7] Over time, additional programs and projects were added to Misaskim's original services of helping the bereaved.[8]
Misaskim was directed by Yankie (Jack) Meyer, one of the organization's founders,[2][6][9] and Meir Weill.[10]
Services
editDuring 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 provide aveilim (mourners) with necessities, such as low chairs and Torah scrolls, during the week of shiva (mourning).
Care for the dead
editMisaskim 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
editMisaskim 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 other items, free of charge.[5][10]
Crisis relief
editDuring disasters or tragedies, Misaskim 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 logistical problems in order to arrange a funeral in a timely manner.
Other services
editMisaskim reaches out to the orphans of the recently deceased with age-appropriate services, trips, gifts, and counseling, when necessary.
Relationships with other organizations
editIn 2007, ZAKA announced cooperation with Misaskim, effectively making Misaskim the American branch of the Israeli organization.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b y Ed Shanahan (January 13, 2020). "Jersey City Attackers' Bomb Had Range of Up to 5 Football Fields". The New York Times. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
said Rabbi Jack Meyer, the president of Misaskim, a nonprofit Jewish organization.
- ^ a b c "שיתוף פעולה למען כבוד המת" [Cooperation for the sake of the honor of the dead]. ZAKA. November 9, 2007. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- ^ Tannenbaum, Gershon (May 9, 2007). "Misaskim Organization - Free Services For Families In Shivah". The Jewish Press. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- ^ "Home page". Misaskim. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
- ^ a b Benoff, Tzvi Aryeh (August 17, 2011). "Misaskim: One Crisis at a Time". The Jewish Press. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
- ^ a b Spodek, Yaffi (June 12, 2009). "Misaskim Chesed Organization Plans Local Expansion". The Jewish Star. Vol. 8, no. 24. pp. 1, 9. OCLC 798463902. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- ^ Eisenstein, Judah David (1902). "Burial society". In Singer, Isidore; et al. (eds.). The Jewish Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Funk & Wagnalls. p. 437. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- ^ Yated, September 22, 2010
- ^ Hamodia Staff (February 28, 2012). ""Never Give Up," Misaskim Director Tells Assemblage" (PDF). Hamodia. Vol. Daily IX, no. 1992. pp. 1, 5. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- ^ a b JV Staff (November 23, 2012). "Misaskim Commemorates Opening of New Garage in Williamsburg". The Jewish Voice. Vol. 9, no. 47. Brooklyn, New York. p. 27. ISSN 2155-434X. Retrieved December 28, 2012.