05/15/2026
For two weeks, Bernard lay in the morgue at NCH.
A Jewish man, at the end of his life, waiting for someone to step forward.
Chaplain Wilson at Northwest Community Hospital reached out. He explained the situation and told me that they were at a loss. They simply did not know what else to do and was hoping I can help.
I thanked the Chaplain for the opportunity to help, and connected with the family.
They were grateful, but what I heard next stopped me cold. They had been planning a cremation for their loved one and were looking for assistance with that.
I couldn't let that happen.
After a gentle conversation, and with the promise that our community would step in and cover every cost, something miraculous happened. The family said yes. They changed their plans and agreed to a Jewish burial!
I never met Bernard. I do not know his family. And I do not personally know many of the people who gave.
But within just a few hours of sharing this mitzvah opportunity, the entire amount needed was raised. Every dollar required to give Bernard a dignified Jewish burial and prevent his cremation has now been covered by the Jewish community.
I am truly amazed and deeply moved.
This is Ahavas Yisrael in its purest form, love for a fellow Jew not because we know him, not because he can thank us, not because there is anything to gain, but simply because he is one of us. This is also Chesed Shel Emes, the truest form of kindness. Our sages explain that caring for the burial of another is called true kindness because it is done with no expectation of repayment. Bernard cannot say thank you or repay anyone. None of the sixty one people who helped ever met him or his family. They gave because when a Jew needs help, another Jew answers.
In a world where we are constantly surrounded by negativity, from antisemitic hit pieces in the New York Times to endless fear and anxiety producing headlines, this story is a powerful and refreshing reminder of who we really are and what we represent. We are a nation united, a people who care for one another, and one big family that is always ready to assist, even for someone we may have never met.
Bernard has been lying in the morgue, but he is not forgotten. The Jewish people are there for him.
You can view the campaign here and schep some nachas from what our community accomplished: https://gofund.me/0520295af
This Sunday is Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the day the Jewish people arrive and encamp at Mount Sinai. The Torah describes it in the singular, “Vayichan sham Yisrael,” “And Israel camped there.” Rashi famously explains that they stood there k’ish echad b’lev echad, like one person with one heart.
That unity is the preparation for receiving the Torah.
As we prepare for the holiday of Shavuos, the day Hashem gives us the Torah and the day we become the Jewish people, let us continue strengthening our Ahavas Yisrael. Let us connect more deeply with one another, become more involved in the community, and look for opportunities to show up for each other in real and meaningful ways.
And most importantly, let us show up together this Shavuos.
Join us on Friday, May 22nd at 5:30 PM for our grand Dairy Fest and the reading of the Ten Commandments, as we celebrate the day we receive the Torah and become one people, with one heart.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky
