About Grave measuring:

For centuries, Jewish women in Eastern Europe measured cemeteries and graves with thread. They used the threads to make special neshome likht (soul candles), or in some cases, protection bands worn around the wrists, ankles, or neck. Often carried out by experienced women known as feldmesterins, feldmestn (cemetery measuring) and kneytlekh leygn (laying wicks) were most commonly performed during Elul, to make soul candles for Yom Kippur.

What is this workshop?

In this workshop/walking tour, we will learn how to perform these rituals using translated Yiddish ethnographic studies and memoirs. Taking place in the Workers Circle section of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Queens, we will also talk a bit about the other people, the history of the organization, and the legacy we want to carry with us. We will sing Yiddish songs, recite tkhines (Yiddish prayers) and read poems — some of them about this ritual — by some of the great writers buried there. As we learn about the history of this place and this practice, we will also learn about the way cemeteries were viewed in shtetl society, as a place to communicate with the dead and access their help. Participants will take home materials to make their own candles.

This event is produced by Shamir Collective in collaboration with the Workers Circle and Shomer Collective.

• The Shamir Collective

  The Shamir Collective is a small group of mystics, artists, and scholars who are working to renew the Jewish relationship with the earth through creative ritual, mindfulness, and transformative experiential learning.

• The Workers Circle

  Founded 125 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all.

• Shomer Collective

  The mission of Shomer Collective is to improve end-of-life experiences for individuals and their families — inspired by Jewish wisdom, values, and practices — by curating content and resources and building a diverse network of organizational partners.