JVN Blog

I often write about volunteer stories that inspire or challenge me, or make me reflect. I mentioned last week the book Relational Judaism by Dr Ron Woolfson, and my thoughts on relationships have been so recently heightened by a series of events and above all personal challenges.

My younger son has been a little unwell recently and I am acutely aware of the significance of the parent-child relationship. One never stops being a parent – age is immaterial. Last night I visited the shiva of a young mother who died tragically from cancer. Her student daughter spoke, praising and lauding her mum, noting that she was a great mother, a friend, a confidante, a supporter, a chauffeur, a businesswoman and of course a wonderful person. This relationship was obviously very special.

But it was something else this week that restored my faith in relationships & inspired me. I was an honoured guest at the United synagogue Womens` Chevra Kadisha Dinner. (Chevra Kadisha literally means Holy Society and is an organisation of Jewish men and women who see to it that the bodies of Jews are prepared for burial according to Jewish tradition and are protected from desecration, wilful or not, until burial.) The task of the Chevra Kadisha is considered a laudable one, as tending to the dead is a favour that the recipient cannot return, making it devoid of ulterior motive. The relationship of the Chevra Kadisha to the community is quiet, not well promoted and perhaps sometimes misunderstood.

As Director of JVN and Vice President of the United Synagogue I want to publically acknowledge and thank the wonderful women who volunteer for the Chevra Kadisha and sustain our community. This work is voluntary, quite demanding and requires more than a commitment of time. It is volunteering where the recipient is often unknown and more importantly unable to thank the volunteer. This volunteering in my view elevates volunteering from a Jewish perspective to that of a Mitzvah.

May your work be blessed

Thank You

Leonie

Leonie Lewis is Director of JVN, a charity working across the community and throughout the UK with individuals and organisations promoting volunteering and volunteer opportunities. For information and inspiration about volunteering and to find a suitable volunteering opportunity visit JVN Website and follow JVN on Facebook & Twitter.

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