The United Synagogue

US Chesed

With the United Synagogue mission of 'Living, Learning and Caring', US Chesed represents the 'Caring' side of the work of the organisation. The US Chesed Department is part of the Community Services Division. It works closely with the Living and Learning department and with Tribe.

We are told by Shimon the Righteous in Pirkei Avot Chapter 1 verse 2
"The world stands on three things: Torah (Jewish learning) Avodah (service of God) and acts of Chesed (loving kindness)"


Acts of loving kindness (chesed), taught the Sages, are greater even than tzedakah. Tzedakah can be done only towards the poor; but loving kindness can be directed towards the rich and poor alike. Tzedakah is done with money; chesed with time or money. Tzedakah is only for the living; chesed can be shown to the living or the dead.
(Babylonian Talmud, Sukkot, 49b)


US Chesed teaches the Jewish responsibility we have for our fellow human beings, encourages and facilitates more acts of charity and kindness and inspires our community to make a difference.


US Chesed has a range of initiatives and projects which encourage our members to think about others, their communities, and the wider world around them. Our initiatives also educate about the concept and meaning of 'chesed' and work to engage our members in practical chesed projects - in turn making a tangible difference to other people's lives.


US Chesed incorporates US Community Cares, Project Chesed, the US Chesed Bursary Fund, Jewish Hospital Visitation and Jewish Prison Chaplaincy. Please browse the links to the left of the page for more information.


We are always delighted to hear from communities and individuals who would like to be involved with our projects. If you would like more information, would like to volunteer, or discuss running your own chesed initiative, please just be in touch.


At the very beginning it was God who created light, but in the end, it is the light we create in every act of goodness that we do that will make all the difference.


Michelle Minsky - US Head of Chesed
mminsky@theus.org.uk - 020 8343 5688

this week
shabbat times

May. 24th - 25th
16th Sivan
Begins: 20:44
Ends: 22:01
Sedra: Behaalotcha

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