Just two weeks remain until the highly anticipated Shabbos that is already galvanizing hundreds of shuls and communities around the country into positive action: TEAM Shabbos. In its second year following last year’s tremendous success, this year’s Traditional End-of-Life Awareness Movement (TEAM) Shabbos is scheduled for Shabbos, Parshas Vayechi, on January 14.

A project of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha (NASCK), TEAM Shabbos addresses and discusses the vital concepts and concerns related to end-of-life within the Jewish community. The mission of TEAM Shabbos is resonating strongly within communities all over: to generate positive awareness and provide education and direction regarding the value of life and critical end-of-life decisions.

The momentum and positive energy are overwhelming as the number of participating communities and shuls is increasing every single day. Jews from all over are enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to bring the topic of end-of-life, a subject which is often uncomfortable and therefore avoided, out into the open in an honest, inspiring and positive way. Regardless of the age or demographic of your shul or community, the need for this program is real and significant, whether the information pertains to the shul members themselves or their relatives.

So far 357 shuls in 188 cities have joined the movement for this year’s Shabbos, already exceeding the remarkable number of participating shuls in 5776. Many hours of work and thought are being devoted to portraying these sensitive issues within the context of the clarity and beauty that the Torah view has to offer. Parshas Vayechi, which discusses Yaakov Avinu at the end of his life, is replete with sources and lessons.

There are several ways your shul can participate in TEAM Shabbos. Utilizing the week leading up to TEAM Shabbos by incorporating related material in shiurim, and newsletters, and by dedicating the Shabbos Drashos, shiurim and Divrei Torah to these topics is an excellent way to open the discussion and ensure that the largest number of people will have the chance to be informed and inspired. Communities can still use this special opportunity to collaborate with NASCK and run programs or host renowned lecturers to speak on a vast array of end-of-life related topics, further boosting awareness and knowledge.

From shuls in New York, Florida and Toronto to cities in Ohio, Nevada and Tennessee, Jews from all walks of life and backgrounds are joining the initiative. TEAM Shabbos is creating a dramatic shift in the common approach and perspective that people have regarding the issues surrounding of end-of-life care and preparation. Subjects that were once taboo and concerns and questions that have gone unanswered are now being addressed in a helpful and constructive way.

Has your shul or community joined the growing number of shuls who are responding enthusiastically to the call of TEAM Shabbos?

To learn more about participating, call 718-847-6280 or visit teamshabbos.org.

Unite with thousands of Jews around the country who have a growing appreciation of “respect for life—here and hereafter.”