Death and Funeral
Compassion, guidance and presence when you need it most
The garment is traditionally torn in a ritual known as Kriyah, in acceptance of mourning
The loss of a loved one is among life’s most profound challenges. Jewish tradition meets this moment with wisdom and care—offering rituals and practices that bring structure and comfort when everything feels overwhelming.
At these painful times, friends and family do their best to offer consolation and their support is appreciated. Our Beth Tzedec community will also be present to help you at this difficult moment in your life.
When a Death Occurs
The moment one learns about the death of a loved one until burial is called aninut. One is not yet a mourner, but most of the traditions related to mourning are observed during this period of time. In addition, one is exempt from most mitzvot (commandments) so as to be free to arrange for the funeral and burial.
In the event of a death of a member or relative, please contact the Jewish funeral home of your choice. The funeral home will inform and co-ordinate arrangements for the funeral and burial with us.
- Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel: 416-663-9060
- Hebrew Basic Burial: 416-780-0596
- Steeles Memorial Chapel: 905-881-6003
As a sign of respect, a member of the family or a friend should remain with the deceased until a representative of the funeral home arrives.
Clergy Support
The period of Aninut can be a somewhat chaotic time, even when burial arrangements have been made prior to the death. There are meetings with the funeral home, phone calls and texts with family members, coordinating travel, eulogy writing, delegating tasks and talking with one of our Spiritual Leaders.
Our Spiritual Leaders are here for you always. They can provide guidance and support for you and your family. One of them is always on call. You may reach them through the Synagogue phone or through our emergency number.
- Rabbi Steve Wernick: 416-781-3514 ext. 218
- Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin: 416-781-3514 ext. 219
- Rabbi Lara Rodin: 416-781-3514 ext. 225
- Yacov Fruchter: 416-781-3514 ext. 279
- Emergency (after hours): 416-781-3514 ext. 8
If a death occurs on Shabbat or a Festival, arrangements will be made after the conclusion of these sacred days.
The Spiritual Leader will guide you through what has to be done and arrange to meet with you and other members of the family. We invite you share about your loved one, inquire about the Jewish laws and customs of mourning and discuss your personal feelings and particular problems or challenges with your Spiritual Leaders.
Burial
Jewish tradition guides us to approach burial with simplicity and dignity. It is traditional to use an unlined pine casket. Funeral homes may provide halachic alternative caskets.
Before burial, the deceased is lovingly prepared through sacred rites known as tohorah (purification). Afterward, they are dressed in simple linen shrouds—because in death, all are equal. Your love one may also be wrapped in a tallit, their prayer shawl, as a final gesture of holiness.
If the deceased does not already own a cemetery plot, the funeral home will assist your family in making arrangements with the cemetery office at a mutually convenient time.
Prayer books for the shiva house are available for loan from the Synagogue office. Please get in touch to make arrangements for prayer books or to have a service leader attend.