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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.
Tue, March 19 2024
9 Adar II 5784
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 20 , 2024Community Program: The Story of Esther in a Post October 7th World
Wednesday, Mar 20th 6:00p to 7:30p
What do we do when our people’s lives hang in the balance? How do we stand up in the face of persecution? When problems loom large, what can I, a mere individual, do? These questions resound throughout the Book of Esther, just as they have resounded for many of us since October 7th. That is part of the reason why our tradition extended the recognition of the events commemorated in Megillat Esther beyond just one festive day to also include the Fast of Esther in the days before Purim, as a way of commemorating the more somber aspects of the Story of Esther and the ways in which Esther and others risked their lives for our people. Members of B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom and Beth El Temple are invited to join Rabbi Debra Cantor, Rabbi Jim Rosen, and Rabbi Rachel Zerin as we explore passages of the Megillah of Esther alongside writings and stories that have emerged from Israel since October 7th, in anticipation of the Fast of Esther. Mincha and Ma’ariv Services will take place at 5:30, followed by the program at 6:00 in the Levine-Shein Chapel at Beth El Temple and on Livestream. Refreshments to follow. Click in to RSVP. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Mar 21st 1:00p to 6:00p
You can make a lasting impact with an amazing mitzvot by helping the American Red Cross! Please help us make a difference by donating blood at Beth El Temple. Please call 1.800.733.2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter: WeHa to schedule your appointment. Volunteers are also needed for registration and snacks, please call the office to sign up to volunteer. You can also save up to 15 minutes on the day of your appointment, by simply visiting www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions. Everyday heroes like you can help save up to three lives with just one blood donation. Thank you for giving the gift of life. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2024
Shabbat, Mar 23rd 6:00p to 9:30p
Join the Beth El and B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom families as we celebrate Purim together! Early evening events for families with young children, followed by a festive community dinner, Kahoot! trivia, and the Megillah reading! Click in to register! 6:00-6:30 The Story of Esther: An Interactive Purim Program geared toward 0-5 year olds and their families Come in costume for Purim songs, a costume parade, a fun, interactive telling of the story of Esther and more! All are invited to join us for dinner after. 6:30-7:15 Se’udah Shleesheet - Festive Dinner for All 7:15-7:40 Shabbat Mincha 7:40-9:15 Ma’ariv, Havdalah, and Megillah Reading Put on your costumes and join us for a festive reading of the Megillah of Esther, complete with singing, a costume parade, Kahoot! Trivia, and more! 9:15 Hamantaschen and other Nosh -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 24 , 2024Purim Family Services & Megillah Reading
Sunday, Mar 24th 9:00a to 11:30a
The Purim festivities continue on Sunday morning with a family-friendly, entertaining, interactive megillah reading for all! -
Thursday ,
AprApril 4 , 2024Weaving Together My Father's Story with Mark Schmidek
Thursday, Apr 4th 7:00p to 8:30p
How do seemingly unrelated events string together to tell the story of a lifetime? Join us to hear Beth El's Mark Schmidek share the amazing story of his father's Holocaust survival. Mark's father, Norbert Schmidek, was an 11 year-old child in 1933 in Wuerzberg, Germany. He would walk to school with other Jews and Christians. Things would change that year when Hitler came to power. Refreshments will be served. This program is co-sponsored by the Beth El Men's Club, Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford, and CT Voices of Hope. Click in to register!