Report of the Chevra Kadisha

Chairman: J. Goldstein, Esq.

Vice-Chairman: I. Solomon, Esq.

Hon. Treasurer: L. Levy, Esq.

Hon. Sec. Rev. G. Wulwik

It is the aim of every chairman to report a successful year when reviewing the activities of his society, but one does not look forward for such a report from a Chevra Kadisha. Though we hope for each other to live for a hundred and twenty years, it is impossible for an organised community to be without the services of such a society.

We in Middlesbrough are fortunate in having a noble little band of men and women who, whenever called upon, are always ready to perform all duties assigned to them, and even at times under not very pleasant conditions.

During the war years we attended some twenty bereavements at Middlesbrough, including that of Sgt. Fass, R.A.F., London, who lost his life coming back from an operational flight over enemy territory, and crashed at Thornaby Aerodrome,. and that of Pte. H. Sheer, who was fatally injured, during rifle practice, at Whitby.

We were also called upon to perform a T’harah at Whitby, after the tragic death of the Medical Officer of the Whitby Garrison, Capt. S. Conway, who was fatally struck by lightning, while riding his motorbike over the moors, on his way to Marske.

I can well remember that hot Tisha b'Av day, 1943, when a few of us, although fasting all day, went over the rough roads to Whitby in an Army truck to perform the last sad rites.

To these loyal workers whose work is unknown to most of us, we offer our sincere thanks, appreciating that their kindness, which is done for the deceased, is indeed true kindness.

G.WULWIK,

Hon. Secretary.