Let’s be honest.

End-of-life issues are rarely on our to-do list.

They’re uncomfortable, even daunting. Yet as Jews, we deeply value the sanctity of every moment of life and the importance of planning responsibly for proper end-of-life care — for ourselves, our families and the broader Jewish community.

In this week’s parsha of Vayechi, Yaakov Avinu prepared for his final days with great care and foresight, ensuring that his family was properly guided for the inevitable. His example serves as a reminder that while none of us can escape the realities of life’s end, we do have the power to shape how we, and those around us, experience it.

For more than a decade, Shabbos Vayechi has become an annual prompt to consider the issues we so often push aside. It’s a time to think about end-of-life matters and most importantly, to act upon them. Topics we are highlighting this year:

Preparing a Halachic Living Will.

Having a conversation about burial.

Estate planning k’halacha.

Addressing cremation with the not-yet observant.

Strengthening Chevra Kadisha in every community.

In my many years of working with families before and after the passing of those close to them, I have witnessed firsthand the wide range of experiences that illness and death can bring. Pain is inevitable. Unnecessary hardship — the kind that comes from lack of preparation — is avoidable. The difficulty of dealing with loss is greatly exacerbated when accompanied by regret.

If Only

… that young man had completed a halachic living will, designating an agent and a rav to direct his medical and after-life decisions, ensuring they were not left in the hands of a hospital ethics committee or non-observant family member

… that couple had discussed their burial plans ahead of time

… that parent had created a will in accordance with halacha

… that person had spoken to his great-aunt to confirm her plans for a Jewish burial, instead of, chas v’shalom, cremation

… that city had a stronger chevra kadisha, enabling more immediate burial, and was better prepared for dealing with a meis mitzvah

If only …

We need to be responsible and take action to care for our lives and the lives of our family members — here and hereafter.

Shabbos Vayechi is the time.

With best wishes for bracha v’hatzlacha,

Rabbi Elchonon Zohn
Founder and President, NASCK – National Association of Chevra Kadisha