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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 Zerin 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, June 9 2023
20 Sivan 5783
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
JunJune 11 , 2023Men's Club Outing to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Somerset Patriots
Sunday, Jun 11th 12:00p to 4:00p
Back by popular demand! Join the Men’s Club at Dunkin’ Donuts Park to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Somerset Patriots (the Yankees AA minor league affiliate)! It will be Jewish Heritage Day. Our seats, in the Hartford Terrace section along the first-base side, are in a shaded, private section. Your ticket will allow you free exclusive access to the Yard Goats Club, an air conditioned indoor section with great views of the game, comfortable seating, and higher-end food and liquor options not available at the general concession stands. And yes, fries, hot dogs, and beer are also available there. Kosher food will be available. You can go to this private section when you want to take a break from your field seats, get refreshments, and schmooze with others. Kids run the bases after the game! Tickets are limited, so you are urged to put in your RSVP as soon as possible. You may request to be seated with others who are placing their RSVP separately. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 11 , 2023Celebrate West Hartford
Sunday, Jun 11th 12:00p to 6:00p
Stop by our booth at Celebrate! West Hartford on the second day of the town's annual community festival. Say hello to our clergy and lay leaders, and share your enthusiasm for Beth El with the community. You don't want to miss our community art project! -
Friday ,
JunJune 16 , 2023Camp Send-off Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Jun 16th 7:00p to 9:00p
Celebrate our campers as we send them off to summer camp Beth El style! All are invited to join us for a special outdoor Shabbat service honoring our campers, followed by a BBQ dinner for all. Service and dinner will be held outdoors, weather permitting. This program is being underwritten by the Kest Family Fund. Click in to register! -
Saturday ,
JunJune 24 , 2023Shabbat Playgroup in the Park
Shabbat, Jun 24th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Friday ,
JulJuly 14 , 2023Shabbat in the Park
Friday, Jul 14th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to Eisenhower Park for Shabbat in the Park! We invite you to bring a picnic for your family, and we'll bring the grape juice & challah! Meet by the playground to celebrate Shabbat with our Beth El community. Contact Jason Kay (engagement@bethelwh.org) with any questions. Click in to RSVP!