Funerals / Burials

All other rites of passage (eg. birth, b’nei mitzvah, marriage) have preparations associated with them; however, death usually occurs with little discussion on the part of the dying person.  The same is usually true with the family and friends.

At Temple Beth Sholom, we recommend that you call Rabbi Goodman regarding the many facets of death, burial and mourning and for assistance with funeral preparation.

Chevra Kadisha – “A Sacred Society”

Chevra Kadisha origins, at least in part, stem from the Talmudic passage: “Rabbi Simlai lectured: Torah begins and ends with acts of loving kindness…It concludes with an act of kindness, as is written (Deut.): ‘And He buried him (Moses) in the valley.’” (Sotah 14A).

The work of the Chevra Kadisha is most beautiful and full of meaning. Judaism is predicated on the belief in an after-life where men and women will receive their ultimate eternal reward after appearing before Him for their final judgment – their final Yom Kippur.  A second accepted belief is that while the soul (neshama) departs from the body upon death, it nevertheless remains nearby, fully aware of what transpires to the body and around it.

The task of the Chevra Kadisha, is to, with prayers and deep spiritual respect, care for the body, in its final washing and dressing process (tahara). It matters not whether the deceased had been a practicing Jew, whether he or she was Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, with or without affiliation. A Jew deserves a physical burial process echoing the magnificence and splendor of our culture and traditions.

We are most fortunate to have a dedicated group of men and women, unselfishly sharing their spirituality and loving kindness with those who, in time of great need and distress, require their thoughts, words and actions.

If you need more information, please call the Rabbi & Cantor’s office at Temple Beth Sholom (702) 804-1333 ext. 104.