Suppose TI had a funeral
and no one came?

Sponsored by the Funeral Practices Committee

Since the late 1970s, TI provided some, then all, support for families at the time of death. There was a process, tweaked over time, that worked well: The met (deceased) was honored with a halachically Jewish funeral, the congregation participated, families felt supported and the cost of funerals was kept down.

That was almost 50 years ago! In 2022, many are new to TI and unfamiliar with the Funeral Practices Committee and the Chevra Kadisha. Chaverim members are aging and feeling worn out. COVID-19 makes get-togethers difficult, and there is a lack of communication with congregants to make Committee processes clear. 

Our plan to fix this? A Shabbat afternoon Shalem Program with sessions to (re)introduce TI members to  the Jewish way of death and dying, and a community visit on Sunday, March 27 to the TI section of Mt Lebanon Cemetery.

Questions? Contact Shelly Heller

SHALEM: TI Funeral Practices

Click here to register and sign up for babysitting

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ZOOM:  To attend sessions in the Sanctuary, you can remain on the same Zoom link used for Shabbat. To attend sessions in the Chapel, you will need to use a different Zoom link. This link will open before sundown on Friday for those who do not log in to Zoom during Shabbat. (This will require you to use 2 devices if you also plan to attend Shabbat services via Zoom.)

SESSION I: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Shiva and Shloshim: The Why and the How - Sanctuary (Shabbat Zoom link)
Led by Bruce Heppen and Shelly Heller, Chaverim
This session will include understanding the role of halacha of shiva and shloshim, what to expect at a shiva minyan, and role play on how to greet mourners.

Tahara 1.0 - Chapel (2nd Zoom link)
Led by Judith and Les Turner, members of the Chevra Kadishah
Learn about the practice of tahara (preparing a body for burial) including prayers and the showing of the tachrihim (burial furnishings). 

SNACK BREAK: 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

SESSION II: 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Transitioning Between Two Worlds - Sanctuary (Shabbat Zoom link)
Led by Ann Kline, Spiritual Guide and Rabbi Michael Werbow
This session will explain what Jewish tradition says about how we approach death and view the afterlife.

Talking About Death & Dying With Your Children - Chapel (2nd Zoom link)
Led by Rabbi Kelley Gludt and Dr. Carol Sigelman

Field Trip to Mt. Lebanon Cemetery

Attend Morning Minyan and leave for the cemetery afterward, or simply meet at the cemetery (9500 Riggs Rd., Adlephi, MD 20783) at 10:30 am.

Parking: Drive into the entrance of the cemetery, turn either right or left to the turnaround, and park anywhere when heading back towards the entrance.

An Introduction to Mt. Lebanon
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Paul Bardack and Morris Rodenstein will share historical information about
the cemetery, including when and how it was acquired, and provide an introduction to the Genizah (place for sacred manuscripts).
 

Groups for Adults and Club BBK
10:50 AM - 11:30 AM

• CLUB BBK (4th-7th Grade, Pre-Bar/Bat/Kabbalat Mitzvah group) will join Rabbi Werbow to explore the cemetery. Parents are welcome to join.
• ADULTS will tour the cemetery with Paul Bardack and Morris Rodenstein , looking out for specific sites of past TI members.
   

Conclusion with El Maleh Rachamim
11:30 AM - 11:40 AM

All ages will gather together as Rabbi Werbow leads El Maleh Rachamim, a prayer for the departed recited at funerals or when visiting a grave.