Nod to the past, but looking to the future

WITH a salute to the past, the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha (MCK) is looking to the future.

The Jewish burial society will launch a book, The Melbourne Chevra Kadisha: A Century of Devoted Work, written by AJN religious affairs editor Yossi Aron. The publication pays homage to the history and identities that have shaped the organisation over its 100-plus years.

At the same time, MCK has completed its final design and will shortly announce the chosen builder for the first permanent shtiebel at Lyndhurst cemetery, with an expected completion date set for early next year.

“This time in the chevra’s history marks the transition period from the last 100 years through to the next. Our actions are to learn from the past, continue the good work, address any issues and build the organisation, the infrastructure, and the process, ensuring the chevra continues its holy work,” general manager Fred Grossman told The AJN.

While significant, the shtiebel development is not the only news at the MCK.

The organisation’s website has been updated to include a search facility, where names and plot numbers are provided to make finding the graves of loved ones easier, and the MCK has established an option to live-stream funerals at Lyndhurst for mourners interstate or overseas.

Other changes include shade cloths installed at both Springvale and Lyndhurst cemeteries, outdoor benches at Lyndhurst, bottled water distribution on hot days and a customer service officer on site for assistance with consecrations on Sundays.

“We perform our services in very tight time frames, with many duties and services to carry out, needing to satisfy halachah, tradition and Government regulations, all at particularly sensitive times for our customers,” Grossman said. “MCK is listening to the community and customer service is number one, but balanced with the need to ensure that the chevra kadisha is fair, consistent and uniform [and is] always being cognisant to ensure we can meet our halachic, communal and Government obligations in the long term.”

Meanwhile, the new book includes a history of the organisation based on historical records, newspaper articles and interviews.

Beginning with the formation of the Jewish burial society in 1841, the book details the 1909 formation of the MCK and the organisation’s first dedicated premises in Carlton in 1938, among many other milestones.

The book was officially launched at the organisation’s annual Zayin (7th) Adar dinner  held at Caulfield Hebrew Congregation on Sunday evening.

DALIA SABLE

Image: An artist’s impression of the shtiebel at Lyndhurst.