To notify the Chevra/Aveilut Committee in case of a loss, see the Emergency Contacts page.
When a member of Congregation Rinat Yisrael (“Rinat”), chas v'shalom, loses a loved one, there are many ways in which Rinat may provide assistance. These include (i) membership notification (for affiliate members and full members), (ii) shiva organizational services (for full members), (iii) shiva support services (for full members) and (iv) chevra kadisha services, each as more fully described below.
The purpose of this Procedure is to inform the membership of the services that may be available upon the loss of a family member and the most effective means of communication to ensure all available services are provided in as timely a manner as possible. Please note that all services are subject to availability and this Procedure should not be construed as an agreement or guaranty by Rinat or its representatives to provide all or any of the services listed below.
We are fortunate to have Rabbi Adler as our Mora D’Asra to help us through times of illness and death. If a close family member is ill, you are strongly encouraged to contact Rabbi Adler to ask about halachic issues related to illness and death.
I. Notification: A member (or his or her designee) (“you”) is advised to make calls to each of the following people as soon as possible upon the death of a family member: I. Notification: A member (or his or her designee) (“you”) is advised to make calls to each of the following people as soon as possible upon the death of a family member:
- Rabbi Adler and
- the Office Manager (Adina Kirshner) during office hours and the Aveilut Committee Chairman (Barbara Hochman 837-1443 or VV Ramras 928-0950) and
- the Chevra Kadisha, if applicable.
Though these Rinat representatives will make an effort to coordinate with each other, you are strongly encouraged to make separate calls to each of the people mentioned above to avoid miscommunication and ensure that all services are properly provided. In particular, please note that Chevra Kadisha services are handled separately by the Chevra Kadisha and a separate call should be made to retain its services.
For shiva related services, please communicate all relevant information to the Office Manager (during office hours) or the Aveilut Committee Chairman (after office hours). This information should include the following, as applicable:
- name (and title, if applicable) by which the deceased was known;
- relationship to the member;
- funeral information;
- shiva information, including address(es), whether there will be multiple shiva locations, dates, etc…;
- minyanim times (including varying hours for weekends, i.e. Sunday mornings)
- whether there will be restricted visiting hours (e.g., for the first days following burial, dinner hour, late night);
- telephone numbers for out-of-town shivas; and
- any other information you would like communicated to the membership.
If the Office Manager receives the initial call, she will notify all other necessary persons, except for the Chevra Kadisha. The Chevra Kadisha should be contacted by the family directly.
The membership will be notified of the passing by email, phone (through the automatic dialing system) and a shiva card sent by mail. This service is for both members and affiliate members.
II. Shiva Organizational Services: The Aveilut Committee offers the following services for full members (each of which is subject to availability):
- Setting up the shiva house:
- shiva chairs
- the hamakom plaque
- tzedaka box
- Aron/Torah (if there will be a minyan)
- Shtender (if there will be a minyan)
- Sidurim (if there will be a minyan)
- folding chairs for visitors (upon request only)
- Mishnayot sign up sheet (or the possibility of Shloshim.org)
- Providing a copy of Dr. Maurice Lamm’s book The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning
- Mourner’s meal consisting of a bagel and an egg (for the mourners only)
III. Shiva Support Services: The Aveilut Committee provides assistance to full members that lasts through the shiva and, if necessary, beyond such period if resources allow. These support services are subject to availability and as per need and include:
- dinner daily
- lunch as necessary
- Shacharit minyan coordination (Eddie Susman)
- carpool
- other services as per need and available resources
IV. Chevra Kadisha: Rinat offers a full range of chevra kadisha services that will be explained upon a call to one of the Chevra Kadisha members. Arnon Hiller and Lenny Barishansky head the men’s chevra kadisha services and Susan Richmond does so for women.
Printer-friendly version