Misaskim: The Chesed Organization That Stands by a Family in the Hardest Hour מתעסקים: די חסד ארגאניזאציע וואס שטייט ביי א משפחה אין די שווערסטע שעה

When a family suffers a loss, the last thing anyone wants to think about is where to get shiva chairs, who will bring a Sefer Torah for the minyan, or who will speak to the hospital. That is where Misaskim comes in — a chesed organization with a 24-hour emergency hotline (718.854.4548), ready day and night.

The Shiva House

According to Misaskim's own website, they bring mourners everything needed for shiva: low chairs, siddurim, sifrei Torah, folding chairs and other furniture, and a guide to the customs of shiva. Everything is delivered free of charge. They write that they serve over 8,000 mourners a year, with a fleet of 16 vehicles out of 9 warehouses.

An article in IMAGE Magazine describes how volunteers look around the shiva house for whatever is missing: a light bulb, an empty fridge, laundry. When young children are sitting shiva, volunteers come on Erev Shabbos to put the shiva items away, and on Motzei Shabbos they set everything back up. They also bring toys and storytellers for the children.

Kavod Hames

Misaskim works to prevent autopsies and cremation, and educates government officials and medical examiners about the respect due to a Jewish deceased. They help other chevra kadisha groups with sound systems and generator-powered lights for nighttime burials, and send trained volunteers to the scene when, Heaven forbid, there is an accident.

For a meis mitzvah with no family, Misaskim arranges a burial plot and a funeral.

After the Shiva

Through their Project Yedid program they help yesomim with gifts, Yom Tov trips and guidance. Their website also carries the "Aveilim Listings" — where and when one can go to be menachem avel.

• Emergency: 718.854.4548
• Website: misaskim.org

An organization you never want to need — but when you do, it is good to know they are there.