Chesed

By engaging in acts of chesed (lovingkindness) we create a caring community and a culture of kindness. 

We invite everyone at Romemu to:

• Learn what chesed means in our tradition and our community.
• Explore how to engage in chesed at Romemu.
• Volunteer for chesed opportunities to support others in our community.
• Attend chesed-focused events.
• Receive care from your community when you have a need.

As a Romemu member you have committed to our community’s brit (agreement to participate in an intentional relationship). This brit calls on each of us to share in the work of deepening and growing our community and to lead a life that is rich in spirituality, service, and justice.

Caring for each other through chesed is integral to fulfilling this commitment.

Every time we gather together in community – whether for Shabbat or holiday services, a meal, a class, or informally on the street – offers an opportunity for chesed. Here are just a few suggestions for how you can bring chesed into your Romemu communtiy:

• When you see someone you don’t know at services, smile and greet them.
• Pay a shiva visit or call or visit someone when you hear they are ill or bereaved.
• Invite members you don’t know well to join you for Shabbat or holiday meals or just for a cup of coffee.
• Join Romemu’s Host Circle. If you live close to Romemu and are open to occasionally hosting guests to stay at your home or for meals, contact membership@romemu.org to be added to our Host Circle.
• Offer to walk to services or a class or program at Romemu with someone who may feel uncomfortable walking on their own.

Members of the Chesed Committee assist other Romemu members who need support. When appropriate, the Chesed Committee will share opportunities to help with the full Romemu membership. Watch your email for messages with the subject line “Chesed Opportunity”.

Would you like us to alert you to more opportunities to do acts of chesed?

Register as a Chesed volunteer. We will notify you whenever there is a need in the community for volunteers.

Asking for assistance  is also an act of chesed. By allowing others to help you, you are giving them a gift. We are here to help when you are:

 – dealing with an illness or surgery
– facing a death in the family
– caring for a vulnerable family members
– welcoming a new baby into the home
– feeling isolated or vulnerable for any reason

Visit the Chesed Committee web page to learn how we may be able to support you.

Contact chesed@romemu.org for a confidential conversation about your needs.

Intake Process

Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses or one of our trained intake coordinators will connect with you within a few days to determine how we can help. You can view examples of the types of assistance we can provide here.

Support for Emergencies

If you have a Pastoral Care emergency, such as a death in the family or another issue that requires immediate response from Romemu’s clergy, please contact emergencies@romemu.org or call (212) 580-4294 ext 813. Learn more about Pastoral Care here.

Your financial support through donations to the Chesed Fund provides the resources we need to support Romemu members navigating challenging times in their lives.

The Chesed Committee plans spiritual and educational events throughout the year to help us all learn more about chesed, become more adept at offering support to those in need, and connect with each other in ways that build and strengthen the culture of chesed at Romemu. As these events are scheduled we will list them here and in Romemu emails and Shabbat announcements.

Be on the lookout for these events and join us.

Each year on the High Holy Days, Romemu provides everyone who participates in services with a “Spiritual Pledge Card.” This card provides an opportunity to set your kavanah (intention) for the year ahead. We invite you to use this pledge card as a means to commit to supporting and increasing chesed in our community throughout the year.

If you want to become a Chesed Volunteer, please complete this form.

If you need chesed assistance or know of another member of the Romemu member in need, please contact chesed@romemu.org.

For all other chesed-related questions, please use the form below.