For I said, "Forever will (the world) be built with kindness"
Misaskim alleviates tragedy with compassion, coordinates crisis with expertise, and provides a multi-faceted array of services for the bereaved. Our mission is to provide support and assistance to individuals experiencing crisis or tragedy by providing them with vital bereavement services, all-the-while safeguarding the dignity of the deceased. Misaskims services include physical and moral support that assist the grief-stricken with their many challenges during crisis or loss.
Our Mission
When tragedy strikes a Jewish family, Misaskim Toronto responds with comprehensive bereavement services, protecting the dignity of the deceased while providing essential support to those left behind. From emergency response to mourning assistance and ongoing care, we ensure no one in the community faces tragedy alone.
Our Services
Mourners Needs
Essential Shiva Services
When families enter the week of mourning, Misaskim provides everything needed to observe the customs of shiva:
- Providing*
- Low chairs and other necessary furniture
- Siddurim (prayer books) and Torah scrolls
- Other shiva essentials i.e. 7-day candles and mirror covers
- Preparing and sending out levaya and shiva listings/PDFs
*Everything is dropped off and picked up free of charge to the mourners
Care for the deceased
Advocacy & Funeral Coordination
Misaskim safeguards the dignity of the deceased by advocating against unnecessary procedures while working alongside law enforcement and medical professionals.
- Preventing autopsies and cremation
- Educating medical examiners and coroners
- Providing emergency funeral equipment
- Training law enforcement on Jewish customs
- Solving logistics for timely, respectful burial arrangements
Emergency Response
Disaster Relief & Crisis Intervention
When catastrophe strikes, Misaskim dispatches trained volunteers to provide immediate, specialized assistance.
- Conducting search and rescue operations
- Arranging expedited funeral services
- Providing emergency transport services
- Dispatching volunteers throughout Canada
Burial Arrangements
Compassionate Funeral Services
Misaskim provides dignified burials, raising funds and coordinating funerals for those without family or means.
- Coordinating the burial of a Meis Mitzvah (those without known relatives)
- Arranging burial for stillborn or miscarriage
- Ensuring dignified burial for everyone in the community
Ongoing Support Program
Project Yedid – Assistance to bereaved families
Misaskim’s Project Yedid program reaches out to bereaved families with comprehensive services, and gifts, providing assistance to help them restore stability and rebuild after loss.
Offering:
- Age-appropriate gifts and services
- Emergency financial assistance
- Long-term financial guidance
- Holiday trips and special outings
- Back to school supplies
Resources
No one is immune to crisis. Misaskim guarantees our community is prepared to meet the emotional and practical needs of the bereaved with warmth and understanding.
Tefillos
Arrange Shiva Meals
Organize meal delivery for sitting shiva, providing nourishment during their time of grief.
Set Up Mishnayos Learning
Divide up Mishnayos by Perek among family and friends in memory of a neshama.
Yahrzeit Calendar
Mishnayos Chart
Track Mishnayos learning in memory of the deceased, helping mourners complete their learning commitments during shiva and beyond.
Life Checklist
Stay connected to Misaskim Toronto.
Get notified about levaya times, shiva information, and opportunities for partnership in supporting families in the community during crisis
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