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 you can contact our Community Support Worker, Julie Levene  on 01923  927344 - csw@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 the seven days including and following the day of the funeral. During this period, there may be particular times for condolence calls/visits and in in particular evening prayers may be conducted in the family home.  Please contact the office if you would like us to provide prayerbooks,  shiva chairs, or to arrange for someone to officiate for the evening prayers. 

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 letters) 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