KIEV, Ukraine – The Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS is teaming up with the Israel-based 'Chevra Kadisha' Burial Society to establish branches across Ukraine. This is an essential undertaking so that Jewish communities being served by a resident rabbi may successfully organize burials in full accordance with Jewish laws and traditions.
While some Jewish leaders, like Chief Rabbi of Zhitomir Shlomo Wilhelm, have already organized a branch for their respective communities, there is a growing demand within dozens of other communities across this former Soviet republic. The fact that there is no organized system in place makes it a challenge to coordinate all the necessary events and procedures necessary.
"Of course, we are also trying to meet the needs of an aging population, especially at this time, when many elderly persons have become more and more interested in observing their national traditions," explained Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm.
Through this novel initiative, the 'Chevra Kadisha' Burial Society will be carrying out numerous seminars across Ukraine in aims of train lay leaders to correctly carry out Jewish religious rituals. In the next few days, the first of these training sessions will take place in Israel, involving about 70 individuals from Ukraine. Afterwards, these enthusiasts will return to their home communities to found a branch of 'Chevra Kadisha'. This development will serve an additional benefit, allowing Jews throughout Ukraine to observe the mitzvah of honoring the deceased.
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