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When Someone Dies
When Someone Dies
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no harm, for You are with me. (23rd Psalm)
A synagogue is a place where we often share the great moments of our lives in the context of tradition. At no time is this more important than when one of our Beth El family experiences a death. Dedicated congregational members and staff are ready to help you as you grieve your loved one’s passing. In so doing, we hope that you, too, might someday identify 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 Your Family Experiences a Death
When death occurs, despite the shock, you will be asked to make a number of immediate decisions. Rabbi Rosen, Rabbi Garber and our Executive Director Rabbi Howard Sowalsky (860-233-9696) are 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.
According to Jewish tradition, the burial takes place as soon as possible after death. The family will want to meet with the funeral director to select a plot (if not pre-arranged), an Aron (a casket) and to make any other necessary arrangements. Our rabbis will determine with you the time of the funeral in consultation with the funeral director. Funeral services are not held on Shabbat or major Jewish holidays.
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).
If you plan for the burial to be in the Beth El Cemetery and have not already purchased a cemetery plot please contact Rabbi Sowalsky.
We can also help you with some of the ritual aspects of mourning, including covering mirrors and arranging your Shiva house. Please let the rabbis know if you would like to connect with our volunteer helpers.
Many in our community have found comfort after the death of a loved one by reciting Kaddish during morning or evening minyan. By Jewish tradition, we say Kaddish for a parent for 11 months after a death and for a sibling, child or spouse, for one month. Whether you are familiar with the prayer or are new to minyan or even to Hebrew, you will find a welcoming group ready to greet and help you.
Fri, February 26 2021
14 Adar 5781
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 3 , 2021America's Jewish Women: An Evening with Pamela Nadell
Wednesday, Mar 3rd 8:00p to 9:00p
Professor Pamela Nadell will celebrate Women’s History Month with us and share insights from her recent book, "America’s Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times to Today," which won the 2019 National Jewish Book Award—Everett Family Foundation Jewish Book of the Year. Weaving together stories from the colonial era to the present, Nadell shows two threads binding the nation's Jewish women: a strong sense of self and a resolute commitment to making the world a better place. Nadell holds the Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women's and Gender History at American University where she directs the Jewish Studies Program and received the university's highest award, Scholar/Teacher of the Year. Click here to register! -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 7 , 2021Pre-Passover Wine Event
Sunday, Mar 7th 1:00p to 2:00p
Beth El Temple of West Hartford, alongside BSBI of Manchester, CT, and Temple Emeth of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, invite you to enjoy a beautiful tour of Tulip Winery, live from Israel at sunset! Three wines are included in the tasting, guided by Tulip's winemaker! Plus, order additional wines at SkyviewWine.com and use promo code BethEl for free shipping! Pick up your personal wine order at Beth El when you pick up your tasting wines! Plus, Skyview Wine will donate 5% of sales to Beth El Temple. Wines must be ordered by Wednesday, February 24 at 12pm. We cannot accept orders after the deadline, but you may register for the wine tour until Sunday, March 7 at 12pm. -
Monday ,
MarMarch 8 , 2021Musical Chat with Cantor Joseph Ness
Monday, Mar 8th 1:00p to 2:00p
Cantor Ness is back with this very popular class, but instead of weekly, we'll meet twice a month. Cantor leads a discussion on various aspects of Jewish music, both culturally and liturgically; a link to the music will be provided before class. For access details, please contact Lydia Lutt (marketing@bethelwh.org). -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 10 , 2021An Hour of Captivating Music with David Stoltz
Wednesday, Mar 10th 12:00p to 1:00p
Internationally-acclaimed bass and acoustic guitarist David Stoltz will enchant you with his eclectic mix of jazz, blues, classic rock, Broadway, Israeli music and more. His solos and duets with LeeAnn Lovelace will delight you, and to make the concert even more special, he will play a few Israeli songs with Beth El’s Cantor Joseph Ness. This event has something for everyone! -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2021Representing Israel in Tough Places
Sunday, Mar 14th 11:00a to 12:00p
Beth El Temple Men's Club & Israel Engagement Committee invite you to a session with Israel Ambassador Arthur Lenk, discussing "Representing Israel in Tough Places."