Posted on 12/31/25
Shabbos Vayechi highlights an important and often overlooked message. As we read about Yaakov Avinu preparing for the end of his life and giving clear instructions regarding his kevurah, we are reminded that planning ahead is not only responsible but deeply rooted in Torah values.
Yet for many, end-of-life planning is postponed indefinitely. Even in the frum community, many are unaware of the practical and halachic details that can significantly affect kavod hameis and a family’s peace of mind. When these matters are addressed thoughtfully in advance, families avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty during already difficult moments.
To help the community gain the clarity they need, NASCK is offering two free live workshops over Shabbos Vayechi weekend, presented by Rabbi Elchonon Zohn and followed by audience Q&A. Rabbi Zohn, a highly acclaimed expert in afterlife care, is widely respected for his deep knowledge and decades of practical experience advising rabbonim, chevros kadisha, and crisis-response organizations.
The Kevurah K’Halacha Workshop will address questions that rarely get discussed—questions many people don’t even realize they should be asking. These include what to consider when choosing a burial plot, how to evaluate Jewish cemeteries, whether kevurah in Eretz Yisrael is appropriate for one’s family, and other essential details. The workshop aims to give participants the clarity and confidence to make responsible, informed decisions for themselves and their family members.
The Cremation Crisis Workshop confronts an increasingly urgent issue: the rapid rise of cremation in the American Jewish community. Today, approximately half of American Jews who pass away are cremated—about 30,000 Jews each year. The likelihood is that someone in your extended circle—perhaps a coworker, neighbor, cousin, or old friend—is planning to be cremated. NASCK receives heartbreaking calls almost daily from individuals who discover too late that a loved one had arranged for cremation. In most cases, this choice stems not from ideology but from societal trends and a lack of early guidance.
In this workshop, you will learn why cremation is a profound tragedy for the neshamah and for Klal Yisrael, what is driving this growing trend, and how proactive, sensitive conversations can prevent someone you know from being cremated.
As we learn from Yaakov Avinu, the time to act is before a crisis. These workshops offer a meaningful opportunity to ensure proper kevurah—for you, for your family, and for every Jew.
Registration for both workshops is free at ShabbosVayechi.org.