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Host a Life Circle Event

Come curious, leave intrigued.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t like thinking about death. You’re too busy living!

Studies show however, that contemplating our mortality from time to time is actually beneficial. Though this may seem counter-intuitive, a healthy, pragmatic perspective on death can actually lead to a more joyful, meaningful life.

Think of someone in your life that you chat with — about anything.

Great shows, retirement options, home renovations. Achy knees, failed Investments, hair loss.

Now, have you ever discussed death?

What will happen to us when we die?
Is there anything we need to know, as Jews?
Is there any prep that would make it easier for our loved ones?
Most people haven’t.

What if you could approach this subject in a thought-provoking manner and come away with an uplifting, meaningful, and life-affirming, yes, life-affirming perspective?

A Life Circle event will do exactly that. Not just for you, but for your social circle or community as well.

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As well as for many cozy friends & family groups.

At a Life Circle event, you’ll explore the Jewish perspective and walk away with a sense of calm and control.

You’ll get real answers to questions you’ve thought about, but likely never voiced. Come away with a deep appreciation for the Jewish end-of-life approach, and an eye-opening perspective on the eternity of the Jewish soul.

Unsure about how to invite people to this rather unusual event?

We take the awkwardness out of it by providing you with an editable PDF invitation explaining the purpose of this event in a straightforward, pleasant manner.

You may be surprised at how receptive and grateful they’ll be!

THE WHAT

Choose from topics such as:

  • Life after life
  • What happens when we die?
  • Jewish customs of afterlife care and their meaning
  • Pulling back the shrouds ― exploring what the Jewish burial society actually does

THE WHERE

Life Circle events are usually held as virtual meetings via Zoom. They run about 50 minutes.
Want us to present at your in-person event? Ask us. We may be able to arrange it.

THE WHO

Plan a Life Circle presentation at a community event for hundreds. Or host an intimate gathering of friends, family, fellow congregants or club members. Get at least 8 people on board, and we’ll arrange an event for you.

THE WHY

We provide these events free of charge because we believe every Jew, no matter their religious affiliation, has a right to a Jewish burial. No one should feel forced to cremate because of financial or logistical obstacles.

Our mission at Last Kindness is to give Jews access to the information, assistance, and resources they need to make an educated decision regarding after-life care.

THE PRESENTER

Yael Davidowitz is the Director of Project Last Kindness for the National Association of Chevra Kadisha. Yael is a Columbia University trained nurse and seasoned fitness professional but her greatest passion lies in caring for the Jewish people. Since 2007, Yael has volunteered for the chevra kadisha — the sacred Jewish burial society — and she lectures extensively on the topic. In 2020, Yael transitioned out of her role as an adult-geriatric nurse practitioner to devote herself full time to the mission of Last Kindness — helping every Jew choose and receive a dignified burial.

Wondering how your crowd will react?

Here’s some of the feedback we’ve received:

Yael spoke at our National Institute for Jewish Hospice Conference and did an outstanding job in explaining the Jewish traditional view of burial. Most of the hospice professionals that attend are not Jewish and are coming to learn about Jewish traditions for their Jewish clients. Her presentation was a smashing success. Her thoughtful way of explaining deep concepts, answering all questions with a smile, created a genuine interest in bringing these ideas back to their Jewish clients.
-Rabbi Young
Director of Education
National Institute for Jewish Hospice
November 2022
The educational program Yael provided to our group of Holocaust Survivors, about the meaning and significance of Jewish after-life care was incredible. Yael was truly an expert on the subject and presented the material with great clarity, sensitivity and professionalism. Everyone left the program feeling that they learned something new but, more importantly, felt that they reconnected with Jewish traditions in a significant way.

One participant sent the following email:
"Thank you for today's program. It brought back to me the reasons why my parents joined the Chevra formed by the Synagogue when they came to America to escape the Holocaust. Your program today reminded me of what it means to be Jewish. I think it is important for my family to view this program."
Thank you to Yael Davidowitz and Project Last Kindness for your dedication and commitment to our Jewish community!
-Gail Belfer, MSW, LCSW, CDP, CADDCT
Director, Holocaust Survivor Services and Advocacy
Jewish Family & Children's Service
Cherry Hill, NJ, September 2022
“Thank you for the workshop you presented a few months ago. The information was shared in such a sensitive and meaningful way and the opportunity for my mom to ask questions in that non-judgmental forum was really impactful. This week she let my brother and I know that she is ready to make plans for Jewish burial. Your presentation was the starting point for those conversations”
-Shelly, Voorhees, NJ, August 2022
“I attended the presentation at Chabad of Howard Beach this past Sunday…it was beyond excellent and informative!!”
-David, Brooklyn, NY, March 2022
“The program this past Monday was fascinating. When my mom and dad each passed I took care of the arrangements and followed their request for them to have a Jewish funeral but I never fully understood the meaning of it all. Your workshop left me feeling so good about how they were cared for and with a new sense of appreciation for how Judaism approaches all things related to death. Thank you.”
-Harold, Philadelphia, PA, February 2022

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Last Kindness is a division of NASCK, a non-profit organization with a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.
EIN: 11-3364887

Are you a Kindred Spirit?

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The Jewish Burial Legacy Project

Were you leaning towards or planning on cremation and then changed your plan to burial? Are you a family member of someone who changed their mind?
If yes, we would love the opportunity to speak with you.

Here are some of the things we can do for you:

  • Discuss the Jewish approach to caring for the deceased
  • Assist you in arranging a Jewish burial
  • Answer questions about mourning, kaddish, or any aspect of Jewish law or tradition
  • Help you fill out your ‘Expression of Wishes’ document
  • Provide personal guidance for discussing after-life care with a loved one
Of course, if you have a different question or concern, we will always do our best to guide.