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Correspondence

March 26, 1976

Letter to Dr. Offenbacher about Shomrim for Mourners (1976)

Death & Mourning
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Letter to Dr. Offenbacher about the Chevra Kadisha and Burial Procedures (1974)

Dear Elmer, Just a note or two about the Hebra Kadisha: (1) Rabbi Wermuth told me that Mr. Dorfzaun and you had raised some questions about the coffins that we permit for burials which take place under the aegis of The Jewish Center. I would like to inform you that we do not insist upon the very cheapest pine box. As long as there are no halakhic violations, we like to give the family some area of choice. The Riverside people therefore know that there are three boxes of which we approve.In the next few weeks, I will be making up the schedule for the three lectures that had been requested by the Hebra Kadisha. At the suggestion of some of the members, these will be kept restricted only to members of the Hebra. My present plans call for one lecture on , one on (these two to be given to the men's and women's Hebra Kadisha together), and one, to each group separately, on the practical techniques. The last lecture should be more in the form of a seminar by the older members to the newer ones. If there are any questions, they should be submitted to me in advance by the individuals who will be leading the discussion.I would like the Hebra Kadisha to consider the following idea, which I propose tentatively. At present, our tasks seem to be exclusively related to taharah. As you yourself had indicated, we ought to broaden the scope of our activities. My thought is that if that is the case, we ought to enlarge the Hebra and invite participation even by those who may be too squeamish to participate in a taharah. We might, for instance, set the number of 18 members for each group, knowing that there are at least half of each group that we can count on for taharot. The others could be assigned specific duties, such as telephoning. But much more important would be the following two areas: men members of the Hebra, especially those who do not volunteer for taharot, would be expected to attend minyanim of families sitting shiva, so that there never be any problem of a family of Th…
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Letter to Carl Grossberg about the Jewish Center Providing Shomrim (1976)

Dear Carl: I trust this note finds you and your wife all well and happy. My people at the Hebra Kadisha have informed me that, in the course of discussions with Riverside over the past few years, they have gained the impression that shomrim are difficult to obtain, especially if we have in mind adequate people who do the job competently. In fact, Riverside has often asked us for assistance in obtaining the services of such people. I think you will be pleased to know, therefore, that we have contacted a number of young people who have indicated their desire to serve in this capacity according to the standards we have laid down. Therefore, as a general policy our Hebra Kadisha will contact its own shomrim for funerals over which it has charge, and will not have to trouble Riverside to look for such personnel. Of course, should we find that for some reason our people are not available for this task, we will impose upon Riverside and ask you for assistance. Barring such emergencies, however, we will take care of the matter ourselves, pay for the shomrim, and then bill the family for the same. I know that this initiative will spare Riverside the trouble of locating and supervising such people, and at the same time will assure us of adequate performance of religious duties by the shomrim. Warmest regards, cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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Letter to Dr. Offenbacher about the Chevra Kadisha Wearing a Kittel on High Holidays (1976)

Dear Elmer: I think it would be a good idea to persuade all male members of the Hevra Kadisha to wear the kittel on the High Holidays. I have been trying for some time to popularize this beautiful custom amongst our membership, and while I cannot expect all of them to abide by it, I certainly think that the Hevra Kadisha are the appropriate “pioneers” in this matter. Do you think we should contact them by mail, or is it perhaps best to leave this to a personal message from you as the Chairman? All my best – and good luck on your forthcoming simcha. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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