Chesed Shel Emet is the ultimate
act of love and kindness. Many people
symbolically participate by placing a few shovels of earth onto the casket or
vault. Because this is something the deceased cannot do for him or herself; and
since the deceased cannot repay -- or even simply thank the mourners for seeing
to his or her proper Jewish burial, this becomes the ultimate, unselfish act of
love and kindness.
27 years ago, I was diagnosed
with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I’ve gone
through treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell
transplant. I am presently going through
my ninth round of chemotherapy,
Family, friends and even
strangers have prayed for me, sent me cards and books, cooked meals for my
family and have driven me when I couldn’t drive myself. Each of these acts has been
unselfish and I haven’t been able to begin to show my gratitude for all the
love that has surrounded me.
How could I repay the practice of
KAVOD – helping other people?
I became a member of the Pathways
Hospice Threshold Comfort Singers. We
go to the besides of Hospice patients who are at the end of their lives and
sing to them and their families. Oftentimes,
a patient will pass away shortly after our visit. The deceased is not able to repay or even
thank the singers for helping them at the end of their lives.
Our singing brings peace and
comfort, not only to the patient, but also to the family members at the
bedside.
Each time I am privileged to
sing, I am giving back in the ways people have honored me when I couldn’t repay
them for help when I needed it.
Each of us can show gratitude in
our lives by taking small steps to respect and honor others in ways they might
not even know. Put money in the Shaare Emeth tzedakah box each time you are at
temple. Help a homeless person on the
corner with a fast food gift card or a sandwich and soda.
Make 5776 the year of Chesed Shel
Emet in your own life – doing an ultimate act of love and kindness!
You will receive incredible inner
rewards for yourself.
Linda Sandmel, Para-Rabbinic, head of the Shaare Emeth Shiva Committee
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