Three generations inspired to serve on chevra kadishah

When I was growing up in Morocco, I remember my father was always involved in the Jewish community as a volunteer.

He was also a member of the chevra kadishah all his life. In addition, he was called upon to recite the Sh'ma for those dying or gravely ill. He had a rare gift to know when the time had come to read the Sh'ma and he was very rarely wrong.

He would often tell us how important this was to him. He was very proud and yet so humble to be a volunteer even through he had a large family to raise. Later, when he died in Israel, the inscription on his grave read: "Was a member of the chevra kadishah in Morocco."

As a result, I had often thought of becoming part of a chevra kadishah, but I just did not seem to have the courage...until my own daughter, Zohra, went to Oregon to become a chiropractor, and to my surprise and delight she became a volunteer in the chevra kadishah in Salem.

This gave me the courage I needed. And finally, I too, became a volunteer of the chevra kadishah at Congregation Beth Jacob in Oakland. I believe that performing this mitzvah makes me a more energetic participant in Judaism. I feel a tremendous inner peace and satisfaction knowing that I am helping to continue a great Jewish tradition.

I am mostly proud that I am part of a three-generation effort: father, daughter and granddaughter.