Beth El is a
Kehilat Chesed (loving community)-a congregation of people who care about each other and stand ready to help one another through the physical and emotional storms that punctuate their lives. At some time, almost every family faces a difficult situation that can be overwhelming. When this happens, Beth El members, through the Caring Community Committee, deliver meals, offer transportation, provide information and suggest resources, run errands, or just lend an ear.
Caring for one another is not a "good deed," it is our obligation as Jews. As Jews, we are responsible for one another, and the Torah commands us to perform g'milut chasadim-deeds of loving kindness. So, in a sense, we are all members of Beth El's Caring Community Committee. As such, each member of Beth El is encouraged to extend-and receive-a helping hand in times of bereavement, illness, loneliness, and debility.
If you or a Beth El member you know is in need of assistance or information, please call the Beth El office (703-370-9400) and leave a voicemail message for Rabbi Isserow. Your call and any subsequent services will be strictly confidential and your privacy will be respected.
The Caring Community Committee offers the following services:
- Bereavement - The death of a family member can be overwhelming. To help you through this time, Caring Community members can assist in making funeral arrangements; deliver a meal of condolence; help form a minyan during shiva; suggest resources and support for the bereaved; and provide additional support as needed. We have prepared a funeral practices guide, which is available online or at the Temple office. In addition, Beth El has formed a Bereavement Support Group to create a place where people in mourning can talk together in an atmosphere of caring and mutual concern.
Download the Funeral Practices document.
For information on the Bereavement Support Group,
contact Myrna Beck at 703-425-4955
- Immediate Needs - When families face sudden changes or crises, lives can fall into disarray. If you are ill, homebound, have a new baby, or are facing a similar challenge, you can turn to the Caring Community Committee for help with meals, transportation, and other practical realities of life; or simply for a friendly visit or phone call.
- Information and Referral - The Caring Community Committee can provide you with information on how and where to obtain ongoing assistance from the many professional and social service resources in our community.
- Holiday Baskets - The committee delivers holiday baskets to shut-ins and recently bereaved members on Rosh Hashonah, Chanukah, Purim, and Passover, and welcome baskets to families that have had new babies.
- In addition, Beth El has formed a continuing partnership with the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA). JSSA offers specialized family-centered services including marriage and family therapy; counseling and support services related to parenting, aging, dealing with challenging relationships, and issues of children and adolescents; and career and adoption services. Through its partnership with JSSA, Beth El has available to its members the services of Beth Cohen, a licensed professional counselor. Beth can provide support and referrals to congregants of any age who are dealing with emotional, social or physical challenges. She may be reached at 703-204-9100, ext. 15, or bcohen@jssa.org.
The Caring Community Committee welcomes new ideas, volunteers, and ways to offer assistance. If you have any questions or suggestions about the committee's work or would like to help, please contact Diane Suchman, Caring Community chair, at
dianesuchman@yahoo.com.
