On Monday, May 12th, 2025, the Orthodox Union (OU) and the National Association of Chevra Kadisha (NASCK) will be hosting its first-ever Women’s Leadership Conference. This groundbreaking event —centered on chizuk, networking, and learning for women in leadership positions in Chevros Kadisha worldwide—will take place at the Delta Hotels Woodbridge in Iselin, New Jersey.
“These women are doing next-level chesed (kindness), what chazal call chesed shel emes (true kindness)” says Rabbi Ezra Sarna, Director of Torah & Halacha Initiatives of the OU. “The reality of doing chesed discreetly is that it is hard to learn, grow and network. It’s a real need. When these inspiring women come together, great things will happen.”
The conference will address both practical and spiritual aspects of Chevra Kadisha work. Topics will include managing operations, safe body mechanics, practical solutions for challenging taharos, and strategies for building sustainable and supportive teams.
“This gathering is about more than learning — it’s about fueling the heart of every woman involved in this very special mitzvah,” says Yael Davidowitz, MSN, Director of Outreach and Project Last Kindness at NASCK. “When we connect and strengthen each other, we return to our Chevros empowered to uplift our teams and raise kavod hameis to even greater heights.”
Guest speakers will include professionals from a range of disciplines—from a mental health specialist to a certified personal trainer—all offering valuable tools and perspectives tailored to Chevra Kadisha leadership.
The conference is open to women in leadership roles of Chevros Kadisha listed in the NASCK directory. If your Chevra Kadisha is not yet listed, please visit Register Your Chevra to explore inclusion. There is no cost associated with being added.
For more information, please visit the conference website or email hirschr@ou.org.