A campaign to replace the aging south building of Chesed Shel Emes on Main Street is now underway and volunteers are thrilled with the community’s response.

“When speaking with donors, we’re reminded that Chesed Shel Emes is a cornerstone in our community,” says Rena Boroditsky, Executive Director of Chesed Shel Emes and a member of the Project Steering Team. “People understand the importance of ensuring that our facilities will endure for all time. As long as there is a Jewish community in Winnipeg, we will need a dignified, safe, and functional infrastructure for Jewish funerals.”

The Chesed Shel Emes facility comprises two buildings; a chapel that was built in 1947 (the north building); and an attached structure that was built as a private home in 1905 (the south building). The south building houses: Chesed Shel Emes’s offices; board room; family meeting space; accommodations for staff and guests who serve as “shomrim”; storage space; refrigeration units; and, most important, a “tahara” room where volunteers prepare bodies for burial in accordance with Jewish tradition.

“For years, we have been repairing and upgrading the building as effectively as possible,” says Boroditsky. “We are now at the point where further renovations and repairs do not make good sense from either a financial perspective or a safety perspective.”

Chesed Shel Emes is a non-profit, charitable organization. That said, the organization has not conducted a community appeal since the 1940s when the chapel was built. Chesed Shel Emes generates its operating revenues from fees collected from the synagogue’s cemeteries when a funeral is arranged. The organization is healthy financially, and is governed by a board that includes representatives of the community’s Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform congregations and other individuals.

Boroditsky, who has served as Executive Director since 1996, adds “ It is a place where our community can come together in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.”

Boroditsky is joined on the Project Steering Team by Hillel Kravetsky, Jerry Pritchard, Stuart Pudavick, and Jack Solomon. The Campaign Leadership team comprises: Michel Aziza, Ellery Broder, David Gisser,, Peter Leipsic, Jeff Lieberman, Ted Lyons, Howard Morry, Mira Narvey, Hernan Popper, Elana Schultz, Larry Vickar, and Michael Weinstein.

“Our volunteers are engaged and our early donors have been very generous,” says Boroditsky. “Chesed Shel Emes has touched the lives of thousands of Jewish families since it was first incorporated in 1930. It is a vital institution with a tradition of deep compassion and lovingkindness. We are building on our tradition.”

To make your campaign donation today, visit https://www.chesedshelemes.org/donations/