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About the Dor Hadash Hesed Committee
Supporting congregants and their families in times of sorrow and joy
Pastoral / Spiritual Care
The Hesed Committee responds to requests for compassionate listening and advice on topics such as baby naming ceremonies, Bar/Bat Mitzvah planning, wedding planning, bereavement, illness, family issues, and other challenges and joys of life. Conversations can be informal or congregants are also welcome to contact the chairpersons for an appointment.
Bikur Holim/ Visiting the Sick
The Hesed Committee visits congregants in need of healing, wherever they may be: at home, in a hospital, nursing facility, or hospice. Congregants are welcome to contact the Committee chairs if they or family members become ill and would like to arrange for a visit
Funeral and Shiva
In the event of a loved one’s death, the Hesed Committee assists congregants with organizing funeral ceremonies and shiva services, and can offer support through the mourning process. The Hesed Committee manages the congregation’s section at Homewood Cemetery, and can provide information and help to congregants wishing to explore burial alternatives for loved ones.
Simcha Certificates
The Hesed Committee coordinates preparation of certificates and gifts from the congregation for Bnai Mitzvah, baby naming, and other joyful life events.
Committee Chairs: Roz Becker and Ellen Olshansky
For more information, please email: hesed@dorhadash.net
For urgent matters, such as planning a funeral or shiva, please call: 412-254-3358.
Downloadable Resources
Community Resources
Youth
Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS) – www.jfcspgh.org Call 412-422-7200. “The professional staff at JF&CS is dedicated to helping you successfully cope with lifecycle transitions and crises, including depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, unemployment, infertility, hunger or homelessness.”
Shalom Pittsburgh – www.shalompittsburgh.org Contact Amy Cohen at 412-992-5245 or email: acohen@jfedpgh.org .
“Your way to connect to other Jewish young adults (ages 22-45) in Pittsburgh.” See their “Shalom Baby” webpage for “new and experienced parents.”
Older Adults
AgeWell – www.agewellpgh.org. 1-877-243-1530, toll-free, or 412-422-0400
“The AgeWell Pittsburgh information and referral line is a one-stop resource that links older adults, their family members and caregivers to solutions for issues related to aging.”
Allegheny Link – Allegheny Link or allylink@dhs.county.allegheny.pa.us
TTY: 412-350-5205 or call 1-866-730-2368
“Provide information on all services available to help older adults (age 60+) and people with a disability maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.”
Pittsburgh Senior News – www.pittsburghseniornews.com 412-367-2522
SeniorLine – SeniorLine@alleghenycounty.us
412-350-5460, toll-free 1-800-344-4319, TTY 412-350-2727
The SeniorLine answers Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
“Assists callers with information about all the aging-related services provided through the DHS Area Agency on Aging (AAA) including information about senior center activities, care management, home health and many others.”
UPMC Senior Care / Benedum Geriatric Center, UPMC Montefiore – www.upmc.com/Services/seniors/geriatrics/services/pages/outpatient-care.aspx
412-692-4200
Special Needs
Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health –
24-hour emergency service 412-350-4457; TTY 412-350-3467; Mental health phone / mobile crisis intervention 1-888-796-8226 “Provides support for mental health and substance abuse services”
Jewish Assistance Fund – http://www.jewishassistancefund.org/ 412-521-3237; email: jaf3237@gmail.com ; P.O. Box 8197, Pittsburgh 15217
“Provides immediate financial assistance [in the form of grants] to Jewish individuals/families in need of food, clothing, shelter, and medicine…to help them over a desperate period.”
Jewish Residential Services – www.jrspgh.org 412-325-0039; 4905 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3, Pittsburgh 15213.
“Supports individuals with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities, helping them to live, learn, work, and socialize as valued members of the community”
Keshet – www.keshetonline.org
“A national grassroots organization that works for the full equality and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Jews in Jewish life”
Persad Center – www.persadcenter.org 1-888-873-7723
“A human service organization whose mission is to improve the well-being of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) communities …with service centers in Pittsburgh, Washington and Erie Pennsylvania.”
Mortuary
New Community Chevra Kadisha of Greater Pittsburgh
(412) 422-8044; email: NewCommunityCK@verizon.net
“Perform tahara, the sacred ritual of cleansing and preparing the deceased for burial”
Ralph Schugar, Inc. Funeral Chapel – www.schugar.com 412-621-8282
Email: sharon.brody@schugar.com 5509 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh
“Independently owned and operated by lifelong members of the Jewish community”
D’Alessandro Funeral Home – www.dalessandroltd.com/ 412-682-6500
Email: dalessandrofh@aol.com 4522 Butler Street, Pittsburgh
“Advanced funeral planning and services…Compassionate, full-time licensed staff…
Serving all religions and lifestyles…Private consultations available at no cost”
William Slater II Funeral Service – www.slaterfuneral.com 412-563-2800
1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh 15220
“Three locations in the Pittsburgh area convenient to Mount Washington and the South Hills”
