When a death occurs there are lots of ‘organisational’ things that have to be dealt with, which often make the grieving process more difficult. The following is a brief summary of what you should do and think about when a death occurs. Please note, this is not an exhaustive guide to Jewish practice, but some practical pointers for you to consider.

Phone Martin  Broad, the funeral directors who deal with the synagogue. Their number is 020 8 445 2797. The number is answered on a 24 hour basis.
Phone Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk. She can normally be reached on her mobile phone: 07970 490 535.  If there is no answer just leave a message and she will call you back as soon as possible. If Rabbi Qassim Birk is away on holiday, there will be a message on the voicemail informing you of that and the funeral directors will have been notified to arrange rabbinic cover.
M M Broad and Sons will be able to advise you on the legal procedures of registering a death.
You will, fairly quickly, have to make certain decisions. If you want a cremation service let Broads know, so that they can advise you on additional paperwork which must be signed. You will also have to think about the date of the service. The custom is for the service to take place as soon as possible. Reasons for delay may include family who have to travel from afar.
Rabbi Qassim Birk will want to meet with you, if possible, to help guide you through the process of the funeral and associated customs. This is also an opportunity to share your memories and thoughts about the person who has died. She is able to offer you support and will also arrange for Contact Group (our community care team) to make contact with you. She will come to you at a convenient time.

If Rabbi Qassim Birk is away or you have not been able to reach her, call the synagogue office on 020 8 446 4063. If you feel you need support in making arrangements or with things like babysitting, paperwork or catering after the funeral our Contact Group may be able to help – they can only help if you let us know.
If you have any questions or concerns or anxieties please ask. The role of the Rabbi is to be a guide and support at this time and, though she has certainly not dealt with every circumstance, Rabbi Qassim Birk has a lot of experience dealing with bereaved families.

After the funeral you will be offered support in ‘sitting’ shivah, an intense period of mourning usually lasting 7 days. This is observed ritually by some people for 1, 3 or 7 days – it is up to you. The ritual usually involves an evening service in the home of the family, when the community come to the mourners to offer comfort and support.