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When Death Occurs : Immediate Steps
(Sinai Temple Mourners Guide)
For those who have just suffered a loss, here’s a quick outline of immediate steps to take, with links to relevant portions of the full Guide to Jewish Mourning and Condolence:
- Call a Jewish Funeral Director to arrange for pick-up of the body and to learn the available times for the funeral at a Jewish Cemetery (cemetery property must be purchased if not already arranged for pre-need). Inform the Funeral Director if you are interested in Chevra Kadisha performed by the Sinai Temple Chevra Kadisha.
For more information about the Sinai Temple Chevra Kadisha, please contact the temple at 310-474-1518.
- Call the Sinai Temple office (310-474-1518) to inform the clergy and staff, and to learn the availability of the Rabbis to conduct the funeral. You should ask for the Rabbis’ assistants: Rebecca Begin or Ellen Pierson. If your call is after hours, one should call the Sinai Temple switchboard at: 310-301-2923. A rabbi will return your phone call.
- Based upon these initial calls, arrange for a time for the funeral.
- Have your Havurah, friends, or family or hospice volunteer make calls to family and friends with the funeral information.
- If not already arranged for pre-need, purchase the coffin.
- Have your Havurah, close friends, family or hospice volunteer arrange for the Shivah Meals.
Our synagogue finds power and strength in expressing reverence for God when someone reaches the end of life. The Talmud explains that Shekhinah (God’s presence) stands at the head of a dying person. We are fortunate to be God’s partners in treating the deceased with respect and honor, and to participate in the holy work of comforting the mourner. While the conversations surrounding death and dying are often difficult and confusing, it is our hope that as a community, we will mark the end of someone’s life with as much blessing and sanctity as we do for one entering this world.
The Sinai Temple Guide to Jewish Mourning and Condolence helps us navigate through these conversations. It is our hope that through the guide, you will have the opportunity to learn more about your own relationship with God, this part of the cycle of life, and how Sinai Temple can be a supportive and integral piece of your religious community.
It says in Isaiah, “God gives strength to the weary, fresh vigor to the spent.” With this guide and our community, Sinai Temple strives to be one of your strengths. Through our learning and exploration of the end of life, may we grow with God and sustain one another.
Rabbi Nicole Guzik
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