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FAQ
Who do I call when my loved one passes away? If arrangements have already been made or if a family is purchasing a plot at Shaarey Zedek, all the family needs to do is call the funeral office at 975 3484 or the cell phone after 5 PM and on weekends at 792 8011 and speak with Estelle Raber, Life Cycle Director or Thelma Sures, Funeral Assistant. Once you have been in contact with one of them, they will take care of all the arrangements. You can also contact the Chesed Shel Emes at 582 5088 if the death occurs on Shabbat, Yom Tovim, or after midnight. What happens if the death occurs in another city or country? The family must make arrangements at a funeral home in the city where the death occurs. The funeral home will then prepare the deceased for travel to Winnipeg. The funeral home and family must be in touch with Shaarey Zedek’s Funeral Director or Funeral Assistant to make all the funeral arrangements, including having the deceased picked up at the airport and transported to the Chesed Shel Emes.
Where does my loved one go? Jewish deceased will be transported to the Chesed Shel Emes. This facility was established to treat those of the Jewish faith with the utmost respect at the time of death (Kavod Lamet), according to Jewish Law. On the day of the funeral, the Chevra Kadisha (Holy Society) will perform the Tahara (ritual washing, purification) in accordance with Halacha (Jewish Law). The body is then dressed in Tachrichim (traditional white burial shroud). The casket is wooden with a grey cloth covering it. This practice emphasizes the fact that all people, rich and poor alike, are equal before God. Non-Jewish deceased will be prepared based on the Jewish principles of respect for the deceased and simplicity, which includes the same processes outlined above. When will I meet with the Funeral Director? When death occurs and you call the Funeral Director, she will make arrangements to meet with you.
Where is the funeral performed? If you are a member of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, funeral services can be held either in the Synagogue or at graveside with Shaarey Zedek clergy officiating. If you are not a member of the Synagogue, but own a plot in Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, the service may be held either at graveside or at the Chesed Shel Emes (Jewish only).
How soon after death does the funeral service occur? Burial should take place within 24 hours—unless there are extenuating circumstances, for instance, the need to await the arrival of family from distant places, release by the medical examiner, Shabbat, Yom Kippur and most other major religious holidays.
What happens at a funeral service? The funeral service is very simple. Flowers are discouraged at the funeral; however, donations to the charity of one's choice are welcome. The service is intended to honour the departed. Everyone is encouraged to wear a kippah (head covering) as a sign of respect. The tribute to the deceased includes a eulogy, chanting of several psalms and the memorial prayer. Six Jewish pallbearers escort the coffin bearing the deceased from the Chesed Shel Emes to the service and then to the final resting place.
What happens after the funeral? A meal of consolation is generally the first thing that occurs after the funeral. Round foods such as eggs and bagels are served to symbolize the circle of life. Immediate family will then begin the period of mourning by sitting Shiva for the Jewish deceased. Shiva occurs for seven days and is the first stage of mourning. The day of the funeral counts as the first day. During this time, mirrors are covered and a seven-day memorial candle is lit. In the count of the seven days, Shabbat is included, however, if Shiva is to end on a Friday, or on Erev Yom Tov, it is observed until two-and-one-half hours before sunset. For example, if the funeral is held on Tuesday, Shiva will conclude on Monday morning. At the conclusion of Shiva all mourners walk together a short distance, usually accompanied by a member of the clergy. This walk symbolizes the return to society.
> For more information, please contact our Life Cycle Director, Estelle Raber at 975 3484 or email at eraber@shaareyzedek.mb.ca.
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