, image = , image_size = , alt = , caption = , logo = , logo_size = , logo_alt = , logo_caption = , map = , map_size = , map_alt = , map_caption = , map2 = , map2_size = , map2_alt = , map2_caption = , abbreviation = , nickname = , pronounce = , pronounce ref = , pronounce comment = , pronounce 2 = , named_after = , motto = Alleviating Tragedy with Compassion, Coordinating Crisis with Expertise , predecessor = , merged = , successor = , formation = 2004 , founder = Jack Meyer , founding_location = , extinction = , merger = , type = Non-profit , tax_id = , registration_id = , status = , purpose = , professional_title = , headquarters = , location = , location2 = , additional_location = , playstore_app = , additional_location2= , coordinates = , origins = , region = , products = , services = Bereavement assistance , methods = , fields = , membership = , membership_year = , language = , owner = , sec_gen = , leader_title = , leader_name = Meir Weill , leader_title2 = , leader_name2 = , leader_title3 = , leader_name3 = , leader_title4 = , leader_name4 = , board_of_directors = , key_people = , main_organ = , parent_organization = , subsidiaries = , secessions = , affiliations =

ZAKA ZAKA ( he, זק"א, abbreviation for ''Zihuy Korbanot Ason'', , literally: "Disaster Victim Identification") is a series of voluntary community emergency response teams in Israel, each operating in a police district (two in the Central Distr ...

, budget = , budget_year = , revenue = , revenue_year = , disbursements = , expenses = , expenses_year = , endowment = , endowment_year = , staff = , staff_year = , volunteers = , volunteers_year = , students = , students_year = , remarks = , formerly = , footnotes = , bodystyle = Misaskim ( he, מתעסקים)‎ is an American Orthodox Jewish

not-for-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

organization that provides services for the care of the dead and the needs and conveniences of mourners in accordance to

Jewish law ''Halakha'' (; he, הֲלָכָה, ), also Romanization of Hebrew, transliterated as ''halacha'', ''halakhah'', and ''halocho'' ( ), is the collective body of Judaism, Jewish religious laws which is derived from the Torah, written and Oral Tora ...

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. One noteworthy item is their door signs, noting please do not visit earlier than/later than.

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. The small group decided to set up an organization with a twenty-four-hour hotline. They named it Misaskim, which is the

Ashkenazi Ashkenazi Jews ( ; he, יְהוּדֵי אַשְׁכְּנַז, translit=Yehudei Ashkenaz, ; yi, אַשכּנזישע ייִדן, Ashkenazishe Yidn), also known as Ashkenazic Jews or ''Ashkenazim'',, Ashkenazi Hebrew pronunciation: , singu ...

pronunciation of a Hebrew word which means 'attendants', a term used for members of a '' Chevra Kadisha'' (Jewish

burial society A burial society is a type of benefit/friendly society. These groups historically existed in England and elsewhere, and were constituted for the purpose of providing by voluntary subscriptions for the funeral expenses of the husband, wife or child ...

). Over time, additional programs and projects were added to Misaskim's original services of helping the bereaved.Yated, September 22, 2010 Misaskim is directed by Yankie (Jack) Meyer, one of the organization's founders, and Meir Weill.

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 A ( he, סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה; "Book of Torah"; plural: ) or Torah scroll is a handwritten copy of the Torah, meaning the five books of Moses (the first books of the Hebrew Bible). The Torah scroll is mainly used in the ritual of Tora ...

, 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,

announced cooperation with Misaskim, effectively making Misaskim the American branch of the Israeli organization.

References

External links

Misaskim Official Website
{{authority control 2004 in Judaism 2004 establishments in New York City Bereavement in Judaism Jewish charities based in the United States Jews and Judaism in New York City Non-profit organizations based in Brooklyn Organizations established in 2004 Volunteer groups in the United States