Death and Mourning
If you are recently bereaved we are very sorry for your loss. Please remember we are are here to offer comfort and support.
Our office is here to help you, so please do call on 01923 856110 or email office@radlettreform.org.uk.
A further call is required to the Jewish Joint Burial Society on 020 8989 5252 (https://www.jjbs.org.uk/) who will help arrange a funeral.
For care and welfare support Shiran Goren, our Community Support Workers is also available and she can be reached on 01923 927604 or via email at shiran@radlettreform.org.uk.
Yahrzeit
A yahrzeit is the anniversary of the death of a loved one. It is tradition to light a yahrzeit candle in one's home, and attend synagogue to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish - a short prayer (please see below.) If you would like us to read out a name of a loved one you are remembering during the service, please contact the office on 01923 856110 or email office@radlettreform.org.uk.
The ceremony for lighting a yahrzeit candle can be downloaded here.
Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS)
Funerals - whether burial or cremation - are organised through the Jewish Joint Burial Society, membership of which is included in your synagogue membership.
The JJBS, in conjunction with the Synagogue, arranges burials (usually at Western Cemetery, Cheshunt) and cremations (usually at Hoop Lane, Golders Green). Please see their website for further details including a list of Frequently Asked Questions. These FAQs outline what is and is not included within your JJBS membership.
Stone-Settings
Often taking place within one year of the funeral, stone-settings are not a prerequisite of our practice. For those who choose to do this, our Rabbi's are available to officiate at your ceremony.
Please note that arrangements for stone-settings are not included in your JJBS membership, and arrangement should be discussed with them directly.
Jewish Ways in Death and Mourning
Shiva
These are evening prayers conducted in the family home during the 7 day shiva period. Please contact the office if you would like us to provide prayerbooks, shiva chairs, or to arrange for someone to officiate a shiva service.
Mourner’s Kaddish
Kaddish, is an Aramaic prayer traditionally recited by Jewish mourners at the graveside following a funeral or stone-setting, as well as during prayer services. A transliteration (Aramaic text written in English) is available. Click here to download a copy.
Words of Comfort
The following words are traditionally said to mourners:
Ha-makom yenachem etchem b’toch sh’ar ha-aveilim
"May God comfort you among all who mourn"
Bereavement Support Groups
Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service: 020 8951 3881
Raphael Jewish Counselling Service: 0800 234 6236
Grief Encounter – Supporting bereaved children and young people: 0808 802 0111