A Jewish funeral is a sacred rite and should be invested with both dignity and simplicity as taught by Jewish tradition. The family of the deceased should consult a rabbi when death occurs. Preplanning with a funeral home and cemetery is encouraged. When a death occurs, please call the synagogue at any time to reach our Rabbi.

The Jewish way of dealing with death is one part of a larger philosophy of life in which all persons are viewed with dignity and respect. Our people believe that, even after death, the body, which once held a holy human life, retains its sanctity. Our sages have compared the sacredness of the deceased to that of an impaired Torah scroll which, although no longer useable, retains its holiness. In Jewish tradition, therefore, the greatest consideration and respect are accorded the dead.

Jewish law and tradition have endowed funeral and mourning practices with profound religious significance. To this end, Jewish funerals avoid ostentation; family and visitors reflect in dress and deportment the solemnity of the occasion; flowers and music are inappropriate; embalming and viewing are avoided; and interment takes place as soon as possible after death.

The preparation and burial of the body are highly valued mitzvot. It is a chesed shel emet, an act of kindness performed without ulterior motive, for the dead cannot repay this service.

When a member of a community dies, it is the community’s responsibility to lovingly assist the deceased’s family in this final act.

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  • Autopsies and organ donation - The practice of routine autopsies is contrary to Jewish law since autopsies are viewed as a desecration of the body. In most cases, when an autopsy is recommended, the family can refuse. Alternatively, Judaism does permit an autopsy when it is legally required or if there is medical knowledge that can be gained to help others. Organ donations should be viewed as an example of K’vod Ha-met (respect for the deceased) which brings healing to the living. Thus, donating organs or tissues should be considered a mitzvah.

    Embalming - According to Jewish tradition, embalming and the use of cosmetics on the deceased are not permitted. Embalming is not permitted unless required by civil law.

    Cremation - Cremation is not part of Jewish practice; a Rabbi may still choose to officiate at a service.

    Taharah (Ritual cleansing) – It is Jewish tradition to have the body cleansed according to prescribed ritual as an expression of respect. A group of specially trained persons called a Hevra Kadisha (holy society) or a Jewish funeral director can arrange this.

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