Death and Mourning
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no harm, for You are with me. (23rd Psalm)
We at Beth El work hard to create a strong sense of family and community. A synagogue is a place where we might share the great moments of our lives in the context of tradition. At no time is this more important than when one of the Beth El family experiences a death. The Beth El community can offer guidance and comfort. Dedicated congregational members and staff are ready to help you when you grieve. In so doing, we hope that you, too, might identify someday with the journey of the Psalmist who was able to say, “You (G-d) turned my mourning into dancing. You changed my sack cloth into robes of joy.” (Psalm 30)
When death occurs, despite the shock, you will be asked to make a number of immediate decisions. The Rabbi is available to answer your questions, to guide you, and to help you make the appropriate decisions.
Your first contacts should be with a funeral home and the Rabbi. A family member or close friend can make the contacts for you. The Beth El office can help you with names of Jewish funeral homes in the area. The Temple’s professional staff is also available to answer your questions and guide you.
Burial should take place as soon as possible after death. A meeting should be held with the funeral director to select a plot (if not pre-arranged), an Aron (a casket) and to make any other necessary arrangements. The time of the funeral should be determined after consulting with the Rabbi and the funeral director. Funeral services are not held on Shabbat, major festivals, Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur.
The Rabbi will visit with the family prior to the service to provide support, answer questions regarding Jewish Law, and provide any needed advice. Also at this time, the Rabbi will gather information about the deceased from family members for the eulogy and help make preparations for Shiva (the seven-day period of mourning following burial).