Last Motzei Shabbos (Parshas Vayishlach), Misaskim Manchester held its annual Melava Malka to give Hakaros HaTov to its dedicated volunteers.

Hosted in the Stenecourt hall, some 40 men gathered to mark the achievements of the previous year.

The evening was chaired by Rabbi Y.A. Sofer, Rov of Misaskim, who praised the volunteers for giving so freely of their time, day and night, to make a difficult time for Aveilim far easier. He explained how when people see an example of Chessed, they in turn go on to replicate it. Since the establishment of Misaskim in Manchester, other Kehillos in the UK have gone on to establish similar organisations.

Rabbi Sofer quoted the words of the Rambam who says that the Mitzva of Nichum Aveilim is greater than that of Bikur Cholim. Whilst Bikur Cholim focusses solely on the living person, Nichum Aveilim focusses on both the living and those who have passed away. These words of the Rambam form the motto of Misaskim Manchester and are displayed on its logo. Rabbi Sofer noted how Misaskim is comprised of a diverse group of individuals from all sectors of the community all working to a common goal.

The guest speaker was Dayan Berger of the Manchester Beis Din who spoke on the theme of Achdus. He explained how you can have a Minyan of ten people who at the end of davenning each go their separate ways – they wouldn’t necessarily notice if one of them had been missing or one had a sorrowful face. Misaskim unites the Kehilla and shows
concern for every single Jew.

A highlight of the evening was the musical entertainment provided by Mr Menachem Kraus of London, who despite the Petira of his wife’s father (to whom we wish Arichas Yomim), travelled especially to Manchester on Motzei Shabbos to join the Melava Malka and treat those present to a lively kumzits.

Present also at the event was Dayan Steiner of the Manchester Beis Din who gives an in depth weekly Shiur on Gesher HaChaim to the Misaskim Volunteers.

Over the past year Misaskim provided facilities and equipment to over 80 Shiva houses in town, supplying 353 Shiva chairs, 1916 Siddurim, 344 low tables, 404 folding chairs, 98 seven day candles as well as many other items.

The Levaya team ensured that, where necessary, PA systems, lighting and traffic management facilities were provided ensuring that large crowds could be accommodated in a safe environment.

A significant investment in battery powered lighting Misaskim enabled 9 night time Levayas to take place so that a Meis had Kevuroh on the same day rather than being left overnight.

We all look forward to a time when the services provided by Misaskim Manchester are no longer required.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)