Death
We hold dear the traditional principle of kavod ha’met (honour/dignity in death). We therefore work to ensure through the Burial Scheme that provision at the end of a person’s life is as appropriate and meaningful as it is during life itself.
Rabbi Janes is available to provide pastoral care for those in the last stages of life and their families.
Once a death has taken place, people vary considerably in what they require, and in how traditional they want to be. For that reason, in Liberal Judaism it is very much left up to the bereaved family to decide how they wish to hold the funeral and mourn afterwards. Rabbi Janes will give guidance where it is required, and explain practices at the time, but no-one within Liberal Judaism is compelled to carry out rituals which they do not want to perform. The preponderant practice is to let families and individuals make up their own minds whether they prefer burial or cremation, without any pressure being applied, and people choose both in roughly equal numbers.
For further information visit the page 'At the time of death'.
Consistent with its Progressive principles, Liberal Judaism supports families where the deceased has chosen to donate their body for medical research and is currently exploring the issues concerning woodland burials and mixed-faith partners wishing to be buried together.
Liberal Judaism has recently produced a new booklet on Death and Dying, written by Rabbi Alexandra Wright. This contains a full and informative explanation of rituals and practices. If you would like a copy please contact the synagogue.
