My Choa Chu Kang Jewish Cemetery with Rabbi Nissim Zawady

What to Expect

Participants will embark on a tour of the Choa Chu Kang Jewish Cemetery. They will learn about the prominent Jews buried there, explore Jewish customs surrounding death and remembrance, and meet with the people behind the cemetery’s upkeep every day.

About My Prayers and Practices

Every F1 season, we will see 10 religious leaders standing along the racing track to bless the road. We can typically identify the leaders of our own faith but there are religions in Singapore which are less-heard of, though they are celebrated by some of our local communities. As a multicultural melting pot, many religious communities have taken root and established their practices on our little red dot. From the Jains and Zoroastrians to the Jews and Orthodox Christians, we hope that participants can join us on a soul-nourishing journey to the places of worship of the major religions in Singapore and learn about their birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death prayers and practices.

We hope that through our tours, it will enable us to explore and negotiate our own sense of self and appreciate our religious diversity in Singapore. Through the various events, we hope participants have a deeper understanding of race, religion and social cohesion. We hope you will gain multiple perspectives and connect your own stories of multicultural and multireligious heritage with those of others. Through facilitated dialogues with the religious leaders, we hope to provide opportunities for participants to engage the hosts in candid and heartfelt conversations.

About the Organisation

Roughly translated as "The Holy Friendship," the Chevra Kadisha is a cornerstone of Jewish communities all over the world. This dedicated group of volunteers provides solace during a difficult time by supporting bereaved families with funeral arrangements and performing the task of preparing the deceased for burial according to Jewish tradition. In some communities, membership is even a family tradition, passed down through generations to ensure this essential service continues.

About the Host

Driven by a deep sense of community and respect for tradition, Rabbi Nissim from the Chesed-El Synagogue has dedicated himself to volunteering with the Chevra Kadisha in his five years in Singapore. He believes that caring for the deceased is a sacred duty, and if no one steps forward, it falls upon him and his team to ensure their final honour. While the role is not easy, especially when encountering people he recognise, Rabbi Nissim's commitment to kindness and service to the community compels him to continue volunteering here.

Who should come?

• Participants must be 13 years or above.

Programme Details

• Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
• Language: English
• Meeting Point: Meet at Keat Hong Community Club Bus Drop-off Point (2 Choa Chu Kang Loop, Singapore 689687). A bus will bring participants to and fro the cemetery.

• Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

• The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
• Participants should bring along an umbrella, sunblock, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.

• Please ensure that you bring along any personal Medic*tion. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

• Parking is available at the basement of Keat Hong Community Club.
• The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
• Photography is allowed at selected areas.

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• Each ticket admits only one participant.
• By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

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Host or Publisher My Community Festival