What you can do in memory of a departed one?

  1. Torah study

Any form or amount of Torah study has a powerful impact on the departed soul.

Mishna is particularly beneficial for the soul. A good idea would be to study Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers-which is included in Mishna). It requires no prior knowledge, yet is suitable and beneficial with life lessons for all.

There are audio editions of the Mishna: www.dafyomi.org/mishnayos.php  and www.shemayisrael.com/mishna

 

  1. Charity

Examples of charitable causes:  poor people, people in ill health, the needs of a Shul, supporting Torah study, helping people to get married, donating Siddurim and Chumashim to a Shul, commissioning the writing of a Sefer Torah.

 

  1. Kindness

A “Kindness  Campaign”. This can be a system that lends money or items, provides needed services, sells items at consignment prices, or offers advice.

Think of something needed in the community. Figure out the best way to address this need. Decide on practical aspects, such as who will be the staff, when will it be open and where. Begin collecting funds for what is needed. When ready, advertise and network to get the word out.

Ideas: baby needs, clothing, food, general advice, home needs, medical needs…

 

  1. Choosing a Mitzva to adopt

Select a Mitzva that involves physical action, or that benefits the public, or a Mitzva that was special to the departed, or a Mitzva that you feel you need to improve on.

Learn the meaning of that Mitzva, and its Halachic aspects. Begin practicing it slowly step by step till you are completely observing it.

Examples: Avoiding lashon hara (a derogatory statement), honouring parents, praying with increased concentration, visiting the sick, assisting the elderly, heightened attention to the laws of Shabbos or Kashruth.

 

This short guide was gleaned from the book “The Neshama  should have an Aliyah”, a comprehensive work on this topic. It is available from  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neshamah-Should-Have-Aliyah-Hebel/dp/1607630044/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=The+Neshama+should+have+an+Aliyah&qid=1574024515&sr=8-1-fkmr1

 

 

Rabbi Ahron Kramer

Leeds Kollel