Misaskim

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. 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). 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 provide aveilim (mourners) with necessities, such as low chairs and Torah scrolls, during the week of shiva (mourning). 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 other items, free of charge. Crisis relief During disasters or tragedies, Misaskim 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 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 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. ==See also==