Misaskim
Misaskim ()‎ is an American Orthodox Jewish not-for-profit organization that provides services for the care of the 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 (volunteer ambulance) 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 Ashkenazi pronunciation of a Hebrew word which means 'attendants', a term used for members of a "Chevra Kadisha" (Jewish burial society). Over time, additional programs and projects were added to Misaskim's original services of helping the bereaved. Misaskim is directed by Yankie (Jack) 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 (mourning) is a little bit more comforting and comfortable by providing aveilim (mourners) 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. Mourner's needs. Misaskim provides items needed for observing Shiva after the death of an immediate  family member. They provide low chairs, Siddurim, Sefer Torah, folding chairs, guide to the customs of Shiva, and many other items needed. They deliver these items free of charge. Crisis relief. 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.