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After a funeral, mourners gather in their home for one or more evenings of memory and comfort. These gatherings are opportunities to share stories about the lost loved one, to break bread with friends and neighbors, and to pray in honor of the deceased.
Attending shiva gatherings at the home of mourners is one of Judaism's most sacred traditions. A reliable group of volunteers who can help organize, set up, manage, or even simply attend shiva gatherings is critical to maintaining KAM Isaiah Israel's caring community.
(A) Coordinator - Speak with the mourning family to make arrangements, help organize volunteers, ensure that all logistics are cared for. Coordinators will collaborate with one another and with clergy to cover all needs. This job is right for you if you're organized and detail-oriented.
(B) Setup and cleanup - Arrive early or stay late to help set up or clean up the shiva. Setup volunteers will gather supplies from the temple and bring them to the house of mourning and help ensure that everything is ready for the family after the funeral. Cleanup volunteers make sure that the mourning family isn't left with trash, dishes, etc. at the end of the shiva. This job is right for you if you're able to drive, carry heavy items, and know your way around the kitchen.
(C) Attendance - Come to the shiva gathering, especially around the time of the minyan (service). It's important that a reasonable number of people is present for every shiva, and simply showing up is in itself a mitzvah. Attendees may also be asked to help with minor volunteer tasks while at the shiva house (like distributing prayer books or gathering trash) but aren't responsible for setup or cleanup. This job is right for you if you ever have time available in the late afternoon or evening and are able to talk sensitively and kindly with a mourner, even if you don't know them well.