Chevra Kadisha of Calgary: The Winds of Change

(Calgary) – Some six hundred years ago, the author Geoffrey Chaucer wrote that “time and tide wait for no man.”  The inevitability of change continues to play out at the Chevra Kadisha of Calgary.

After forty-six years of dedication to the Chevra Kadisha, including nearly five years as president, and nine years as Executive Director, Louis Bracey is retiring from an active role at the Chevra Kadisha of Calgary. At a recent Board of Directors meeting, when Lou announced he was stepping down, he made reference to a book authored by Lewis Carroll that he read as a child that spoke of flying pigs, as if to say that it seemed impossible that this day would come. The importance of the work of the Chevra has been dear to Lou’s heart for many years. Lou’s volunteer colleagues and the Chevra staff can surely vouch for the many hours that he has spent in a wide variety of tasks.  He leaves the organization in a very stable position, both financially and operationally. Under his leadership, the Chevra Kadisha recently passed its 120^th anniversary of service to the Calgary Jewish community.

“Our Chevra Kadisha is quite unique,” said Lou. “Other than the Edmonton Chevra Kadisha which is quite similar to Calgary, very few chevrot provide end of life care and own and operate their own cemetery. Our women volunteers continue to hand sew our shrouds, something that is also rare today,” added Lou. He acknowledged the many men and women who have also volunteered their efforts over the years in “kavod ha’meit” (honouring the deceased) and “nichum aveilim” (comforting the mourners) in the spirit of “chesed shel emet”, deeds often performed in anonymity without expectation of reward. Volunteers will be saluted soon in the annual Chevra volunteer luncheon where Lou will serve as guest speaker and honouree.

While Lou will continue to support the Chevra in a consultative capacity, he turns the reins of leadership over to Susan Dvorkin and Harold Lipton who will assume the co-presidents office. The incoming presidents noted that “the influence of tradition in our work remains very strong. We remain committed to serving the entire community, and so we are challenged to meet the diversity of beliefs and social changes within our community.”

As the longest serving Jewish organization in Calgary dedicated to end of life care, the Chevra has done its utmost to maintain the traditions established 120 years ago while recognizing that times have changed over the years. “Jewish death and burial are looked upon differently by some these days, and we will always strive to provide all we are able to for a family who wishes to honour their loved one with a Jewish burial” said the co-presidents.

Both incoming presidents are also no strangers to the Chevra Kadisha.  Harold Lipton has been a volunteer as well as a board and executive member for over 25 years and Susan Dvorkin is the third generation in her family to serve the Chevra. The leadership of co-presidents is new for the Chevra but both Susan and Harold look forward to working collaboratively with each other. “While we cannot fill Lou’s shoes, we hope to follow in his footsteps to continue to service Jewish Calgary in their time of need.” With a transition of executive positions mid-term, the co-presidents are also pleased with the appointment of Sam Gutman as vice president and Deborah Katz as treasurer. Both have a strong financial background which will ensure that the finances of the society will remain strong. Darlene Switzer Foster, Darryl Gurevitch, Ted Switzer and Jessica Miller Switzer round out an active and solid executive.

One challenge the Chevra is facing is the need for more volunteers. Many of those currently serving are also approaching retirement, and the need to find replacements to carry on this valuable work is growing. Lou points out that there are many opportunities to help out, such as helping to make up a minyan at a funeral, helping to fill a grave at a funeral, helping to provide tahara (ritual purification) on the deceased, or serving on a committee or on the board of directors. While it is recognized that volunteering for the Chevra is not as inter-generational as it once was, a new generation of volunteers is needed to ensure that the Chevra will continue to serve the community in the way it currently does.

For more information on the Calgary Chevra Kadisha, please phone (403) 244-4717 or email info@chevraofcalgary.org.