Caring & Support

Chesed Committee

The Hebrew word “chesed” can be translated to mean “lovingkindness”. The members of Congregation B’nai Harim’s Chesed Committee exemplify chesed by their deeds of generosity and compassion.

Chesed information for members

Temple members in need of support can call or email Susan Aufhauser, B'nai Harim president, susanbnaiharim@gmail.com, who will let Rabbi Berlin & the committee  members know. Committee members will call the Temple member to ask what assistance is needed. 

Telephone calls, e-mails, and visitations are made whenever possible. 

The Chesed Committee will help prepare a house of mourning by gathering a minyan for Shiva services, leading the Shiva service if needed and providing a snack for the mourners.

Personal, handwritten notes of caring and support from the congregation are sent by the committee to members to help them celebrate their joys and to comfort them in times of ill health and sorrow.

Best wishes for a Happy Anniversary or Birthday can be posted in the Temple Newsletter. B’nai Harim members are always willing to support one another with acts of lovingkindness.

Mi Shebeirach List

Mi Shebeirach is a prayer for healing. These comforting words can be said on behalf of those who are ill. Whether friends or loved ones are struggling with physical, emotional or spiritual challenges, this prayer speaks to our desire for their healing.

When you put a person onto the Mi Shebeirach List, it should be with person’s permission. Would the person like to be listed with their English or Hebrew name? Please include a contact name and telephone number so that Rabbi Berlin may follow up with the person or with the member who placed the name on the list.

Our policy now states that the list will be limited to members and their immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses). Congregants are strongly encouraged to mention any person aloud at the appropriate time during the service, so we can pray for their improved health.

Please contact Rabbi Berlin at Aberlinbnaiharim@gmail.com with the name(s )of individuals you would like to be included in the new list.

Remember to have the person's name removed if the person no longer needs to be on the list.