The Shaar Shalom Congregation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Simon L. Gaum Bereavement Centre, in memory of Simon Gaum, a loyal and devoted member of our community and synagogue.

The Simon L. Gaum Bereavement Centre consists of a group of volunteers who will assist the Chevra Kaddisha Committee during the Shiva period and will continue to support a grieving person/family during the difficult months that follow. All volunteers have participated in a grief workshop that was presented by Marianne Arab, Bereavement Coordinator, Palliative Care Service, Capital Health.

With the establishment of a volunteer Steering Committee, our goals for the upcoming year include;

• creating a grief reference library at the Shaar Shalom Synagogue, including books for children and youth;
• developing and coordinating alternate programs under the supervision of Cantor Ari Isenberg to help remember loved ones during the holiday season;
• providing written literature to those supporting a family member or friend who is going through a difficult time;
• assisting with unveilings;
• compiling and organizing resource information from other Jewish Bereavement Centres, and,
• coordinating all information to ensure that it is easily available and accessible to our congregants and community.

This fall, The Bereavement Centre will distribute wallet size cards to Shaar Shalom members with necessary and pertinent contact numbers to be used during times of need.

The Bereavement Centre is administered under the direction of the Shaar Shalom Board and The Simon L. Gaum Bereavement Committee. Its services are available to all Jewish persons/families living in the Maritime communities.

If you would like more information, please contact Murray Schwartz, Chairperson of Volunteers, at schwartz@eastlink.ca.