Hesed Committee

 

The Solomon Schechter Day School is a remarkable school where our children learn, grow and flourish. But, we are more than just a school. We are also a community of families who support each other. When we perform acts of hesed, literally “loving kindness,” our children and we are reminded that we belong to a generous, loving Schechter community.

When are acts of hesed needed?

  • at the arrival of a new baby
  • when an immediate family member is ill
  • during recuperation from surgery or
  • during prolonged medical treatment
  • after the death of a family member
  • during times of extreme family stress

Examples of acts of hesed:

  • providing meals
  • helping with rides and carpools
  • running errands
  • attending shiva minyanim

What to do if you need an act of hesed?

If you or someone you know in the Schechter community is in need of hesed help (meals, rides, etc.), email at hesed@ssdsboston.org or contact Kim Schawbel at 781-444-6195 or Karen Dines at 781-983-1810 . Asking for help may be difficult; however we all need help at some point in our lives, and others truly want to help. All requests are confidential, and we can arrange for assistance to be provided anonymously.

How to join the list of people who provide acts of hesed.

To sign up to become a Schechter Hesed Community member or for more information, please send an email to hesed@ssdsboston.org with your name and contact information. All hesed-related correspondence will come from this email address.

Tips for making a hesed meal.

  • Once you know the dietary restrictions/parameters of the meal, choose recipes that are easy to double. This way, you can cook for hesed and for your family.
  • When cooking consider preparing double batches of food and freezing half when you are cooking for your family, to have a hesed meal in reserve.
  • Buy aluminum foil pans and disposable food containers so that you won't have to retrieve your containers. Large Ziploc bags are good for holding rice, vegetables, and salad items.
  • Recipes that are easy to batch are casseroles, soups, and quiches.

Shiva Call Protocol

The Art of Making a Shivah Call by Ron Wolfson
From Jewish Insights on Death and Mourning, Edited by Jack Riemer (New York: Schocken Books, 1995).
"As a comforter, making a shivah call is one of the most important acts of condolence. But all too often those visiting a mourners home are not sure of the appropriate behavior. " Click here for the full article.