Kavod v'Nichum

1. Encourage compassionate and knowledgeable assistance to the ill and dying and their families, as well as the mitzva of nichum avelim, comforting those who mourn.

2. Promote the wider performance of the mitzvot of kavod hamet, honoring the dead, and chesed shel emet, the truest act of kindness, by teaching Jewish communities to perform Tahara, the beautifully simple ritual preparation of the dead for burial, and Shmira, the ritual guarding of the body after death until burial.

3. Develop and promote the KNIT (Kavod v'Nichum Information and Training) resource center to provide educational materials, guidance, and assistance in all areas associated with death and dying.

4. Enable communities to marshal the resources and expertise necessary to establish mutually beneficial relationships with funeral homes and cemeteries.

5. Develop and promote the Gamliel Institute, a premier educational curriculum for Jewish professionals and laypeople encompassing all aspects of this continuum of care.

6. Expand the cadre of inspired, dedicated and knowledgeable leaders in Jewish communities.

Provide an extensive web site.
Hold annual conferences.
Provide education and training for communities and synagogues.
Conduct leadership training courses.
Collaborate with related groups.

8 members of the Gamliel Institute staff , each with extensive knowledge and experience
30 Gamliel Institute Graduates
150 students enrolled in Gamliel Institute courses

50% of Gamliel Institute students are successfully completing the first four courses and will be eligible for our fifth course and our mission to Israel.
Three new chevra kadisha groups established this year.