In Times of Loss
In moments of loss, our community comes together to offer comfort, strength, and support. At Beth Ora, we accompany families through every step of the mourning process with compassion, guidance, and care rooted in Jewish tradition.
Supporting Families Through Grief
One of Judaism’s most sacred responsibilities is comforting those who mourn.
When a member of Beth Ora passes away, a notice is sent to our community so we can offer support and share in remembrance.
Planning Ahead: Final Resting
Beth Ora assists families in arranging burial plots in accordance with Jewish law and community standards.
To purchase a cemetery plot through the synagogue, individuals must be current members of Beth Ora. Once an entitlement is purchased, membership must remain active and in good standing each year in order to retain the entitlement.
Because Jewish law requires that men and women not be buried next to unrelated individuals of the opposite sex, the synagogue must plan plots carefully. This ensures proper halachic placement and protects the integrity of surrounding plots.
If you are interested in purchasing a plot or would like more information, please contact the office. We will be happy to schedule a meeting to review membership eligibility and cemetery options.
Please note:
- Cemetery plot entitlements are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
- They are not tax-deductible, and therefore no tax receipt can be issued.
- Plot availability and placement must be approved prior to purchase.
When a Loss Occurs: Funeral Arrangements
The family should contact both the funeral home Paperman & sons and Rabbi Benshimon to discuss arrangements for the funeral and shiva. The Rabbi will meet with your family to ensure your loved one receives a dignified and meaningful farewell, and will guide you through the Jewish customs of mourning.
Shiva
Following the funeral, mourners observe shiva, a seven-day period of reflection and community support. During this time, our clergy helps arrange and lead prayer services in your home and offers ongoing spiritual and emotional guidance.
Shloshim
After shiva, the intensity of mourning gently eases, but certain traditions continue through the thirty days of shloshim. Families often gather at Beth Ora for prayers or a memorial meal honoring their loved one.
Unveiling Ceremony
Between one month and one year after burial, families hold an unveiling to dedicate the gravestone. The Rabbi can assist with choosing an inscription and officiate the ceremony, helping you mark this moment with reverence and hope.
Ongoing Remembrance
Memorial Plaques
Honor the memory of a loved one with a permanent memorial plaque displayed in our chapel. Each plaque is solid brass, engraved with your loved one’s name, and illuminated on their yahrzeit as we recite special prayers in their memory.
Yahrzeit
Each year, on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, family members light a yahrzeit candle and recite Kaddish in their memory. On the Shabbat preceding the yahrzeit, the name of the deceased is read in synagogue, and family members are invited to receive an aliyah in their honor.
In advance of this date, Beth Ora sends a reminder letter to members. Many choose to mark the occasion by making a donation or sponsoring a Kiddush in loving memory of their departed.
Yizkor Services
Four times each year—on Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot—our community gathers for Yizkor, a memorial service that honors generations past and the enduring strength of Jewish memory.
The Beth Ora community walks with you through every stage of grief and remembrance.
