Community Chevra Kadisha Los Angeles
Chesed Shel Emet חסד של אמת The Truest Act of Kindness
The last act of loving-kindness we can offer, a mitzvah that cannot be repaid, is to midwife a soul back to the Source of Life from which we all come.
– Rabbi Jonathan Bernhard
We serve every Jewish person, regardless of affiliation, observance, religiosity, or lifestyle.
A Chevra Kadisha is a sacred society tasked with upholding important Jewish traditions related to end-of-life, often including Shmirah and Tahara as part of our traditional, communal Jewish responsibility of care between death and burial.
We come to this work rooted in the Jewish tradition, kavanah (intention). We honor the many ways our community expresses its Jewishness, in life and in death, and believe no one in our community should face this moment without access to the blessings of these ancient rituals.
We are the first community chevra serving greater Los Angeles, as an independent, non-affiliated, all volunteer not-for-profit organization.
A New Name, the Same Sacred Mission
In early 2026, we changed our name from Valley Chevra Kadisha (VCK) to Community Chevra Kadisha of Los Angeles (CCKLA), reflecting our growth and our commitment to serving the entire Los Angeles Jewish community.
[btn: Read More | /about]
CCKLA: Three Pillars Of Service
Jewish tradition has always known how to hold its community in celebration, in learning, and in loss. The rituals surrounding death and burial are among the most ancient and most human expressions of that care. They belong to all of us.
Support
We are here for you. Our trained volunteers provide Shmirah and Tahara with dignity, care, and confidentiality. It is our honor to perform this mitzvah for your loved one.
CCKLA serves the greater Los Angeles Jewish communities, regardless of affiliation or level of observance. Our services are free.
Funeral Professionals with an immediate need click here.
You may pre-plan our services or contact us with your immediate need below.
Volunteer
Being part of a Chevra Kadisha is one of the most meaningful ways a person can serve their Jewish community. We welcome anyone who feels called to support this sacred effort to join us. Our volunteers are the core of this work. Volunteers can serve in a variety of different ways, based on their interests, availability, and abilities. All are welcome and there is no cost to becoming a volunteer.
Educate
Jewish tradition offers ancient, beautiful wisdom around the end of life, death, and burial. CCKLA believes education and open conversation about these topics empower individuals and families to make informed decisions rooted in their values and heritage.
We bring materials, pre-planning guidance, and meaningful education to congregations, schools, and communities, serving as a trusted resource for exploring the end-of-life continuum, and its rituals and traditions, through a Jewish lens.
