Misaskim ( is an American Orthodox Jewish not-for-profit organization that provides services for the care ofthe dead and the needs and conveniences of mourners in accordance to Jewish law and custom. Misaskim provides moral support and bereavement assistance to individuals experiencing crisis or tragedy. This is achieved by providing vital community services, which include safeguarding the dignity of the deceased, assisting the bereaved by providing free shiva-related services and supporting individuals during these times.
History
Misaskim was founded in Brooklyn in 2004 by a group of Hatzalah members and other community activists who perceived the need to help families during the painful time when a loved one dies. The small group decided to set up an organization with a twenty-four-hour hotline. They named it Misaskim, which is the Ashkenazipronunciation of aHebrew word which means 'attendants', a term used for members of a Chevra Kadisha. Over time, additional programs and projects were added to Misaskim's original services of helping the bereaved. Misaskim is directed by Yankie Meyer, one of the organization's founders, and Meir Weill.
Services
During major catastrophes or accidents with Jewish casualties, Misaskim dispatches a team of volunteers to any location in the United States on a moment’s notice. Misaskim’s mourners' services ensure that the week of shiva is a little bit more comforting and comfortable by providing aveilim with necessities, from low chairs to Torah scrolls, from folding beds to fax machines.
Care for the dead
Misaskim safeguards the dignity of the deceased by advocating to prevent autopsies and/or cremation, and educating government officials and coroners regarding respect to the Jewish departed.
When disaster or tragedy strikes, Misaskim deals with the situation in a professional, efficient manner that is acceptable to the law and respectful to the deceased. Trained volunteers clear crime scenes upon request by local law enforcement, find burial plots and arrange for the funeral, when necessary, and assists other Hebrew burial societies, providing sound systems, generator-powered lights for nighttime burials and solving many logistical problems in order to arrange a funeral in a timely manner.
Other services
Misaskim reaches out to the orphans of the recently deceased with a plethora of age-appropriate services, trips, gifts, and counseling, when necessary.
Relationships with other organizations
In 2007, ZAKA announced cooperation with Misaskim, effectively making Misaskim the American branch of the Israeli organization.
