Chesed Committee

Some examples of the
chesed committee's services include the following:

• Death and Bereavement
  (email: chesed@shaarei.org)
  
  

  Services include sending out notification to shul members of death and
  information regarding shiva by US mail postcards. Notification
  is also provided on the shul's electronic mailing list, to which
  most of the shul has access. The committee also has set
  up a phone chain and together with the gabbaim provides
  shiva chairs and other supplies. The committee tries to address
  the needs of the bereaved family giving special consideration to each
  and every unique situation. The general policy is to provide a
  complete seudat havraah, the meal for the family immediately
  following a funeral, a dinner meal every day of shiva and
  Shabbat meals during or immediately following shiva. When
  shiva takes place out of town, the committee attempts to send a
  meal through certified kosher caterers or restaurants.

  
  
  

• Births
  (email: births@shaarei.org)
  
  

  The chesed committee is delighted to be able to help members
  ease into new parenthood by providing assistance in whatever ways are
  needed. Hospital or home visitations, phone calls, child care and play
  dates can all be arranged. In addition, meals for the first Shabbat at
  home are happily provided.

  
  
  

• Bikur Cholim
  (email: cholim@shaarei.org)
  
  

  Services will depend on the individual situation,
  but we generally try to provide hospital or home visitation, meals,
  shopping and errand running, transportation, and
  arrangement of child care where necessary.
  
  

Chesed Fund

The chesed fund was established several years ago (separate
from the shul's regular Tzedakah fund) for the primary purpose
of addressing the needs of the community above and beyond the
chesed committee's allotted budget. The fund provides money for
anonymous donations, provision of supplies and meals, etc. Donations
to the chesed fund are always welcome. A personally designed
note will be sent by the coordinator to announce the donation in
honor, memory, or appreciation of chesed activities.