Until last week, the 45-year-old was in charge of Muslim burial customs involving the washing and wrapping of the deceased women in the local community. Absent of her, [Husna] Ahmed's family washed her body themselves. — David Child, "Christchurch mosque attack victims laid to rest in mass burial," Al Jazeera News, 3/22/19
Like Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz in Pittsburgh, Husna Ahmed was a beloved caregiver and burial fellowship leader in Christchurch — scheduled the next day to teach the Muslim body preparation traditions that are so similar to Jewish ones.
Tragedies from Pennsylvania to New Zealand highlight the powerful, cross-cultural healing practices of caring for the bodies of the dead. As we bear witness to the shattering of our communities and our world, the blessed memories of Husna, Jerry, and others offer us continual opportunities to organize ourselves locally toward this ultimate kindness.
We bury the dead of non-Jews along with the dead of Jews, for these are ways of peace. We console the mourners of non-Jews along with the mourners of Jews, for these are ways of peace. — Jerusalem Talmud, Tractate Gittin (~400 CE)
WAYS OF PEACE offers simple, practical tools for advancement of local caring efforts. And the consolation that grows from communities organized for support and prepared to serve is ultimately a cause for celebration.
"This year we are still slaves. Next year may we all be free."
We are reminded that hatred can be as intoxicating as alcohol, as Purim revelry gives way to sober preparations for Passover. The season of counting days that begins with the Festival of Freedom offers vital opportunities for personal growth to all of us. LEARN MORE
COUNTING DAYS provides inspiration with brief, daily reflections for today's challenges. It's a primer for spiritual seekers, students of Mussar (Jewish ethical discipline) and mysticism, chaplains, synagogue leaders, Jewish Family Service staff, spiritual directors, and all who care about healing the scourge of addiction within the Jewish community and beyond.
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