Death and Mourning

The death of a loved one is difficult under any circumstance, but with the support of Holy Blossom Temple and our synagogue community, you need never face it alone.

At the time of death

Please call the Jewish funeral home of your choice. The funeral home will inform the Temple and co-ordinate arrangements for the funeral and burial with us.

Funeral

The Temple policy currently permits Holy Blossom clergy to officiate at funerals of non-members who are the immediate relation (parents, siblings and children) of a Temple member. Funerals for any other non-member are not performed by our clergy, except in special circumstances at the discretion of the Senior Rabbi and the President of the congregation.

Burial

The rabbi or cantor will accompany your family from the Temple or the funeral home to the burial service. We offer our members burial plots in several cemeteries.

Shiva

The Temple has a group of dedicated, trained shiva (seven-day mourning period following interment) readers who'll attend the shiva house to lead Evening Services. Hayley Nuttall, at hnuttall@holyblossom.org or (416) 789-3291, ext.246, to make arrangements if you require this service.

Kaddish

It is customary for mourners to recite kaddish (a special prayer) during the first year following death. Kaddish may be recited at the Temple during our Shacharit (Morning) Service (Monday to Friday at 7.30 a.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m.) and our Mincha/Ma'ariv (Evening) Service (Monday to Thursday at 6 p.m.). Daily Services are held in the Alice and Bernard Herman Chapel.

Unveilings

A tombstone may be erected and unveiled at any time up to the first anniversary of the death. The stone may be dedicated at a service led by a member of the family, using a service booklet provided by the Temple. If you would like a rabbi to lead the service, please contact Hayley Nuttall, at hnuttall@holyblossom.org or (416) 789-3291, ext. 246, to determine when the rabbis will be available.

Yahrzeit

On the anniversary of the death of close relatives for whom mourning is observed (parents, spouses, siblings and children), it is customary to attend daily services to say kaddish. The Temple sends reminders of the yahrzeit to mourners as long as the mourner remains a member of the congregation. This reminder informs the mourner of the times and date the name will be read. Mourners have the option of choosing to observe the yahrzeit according to the Hebrew or the secular calendar.

Yizkor

The Jewish calendar provides four occasions during the year when special Memorial Services are held:

• Yom Kippur
• Shemini Atzeret (the last day of Sukkot)
• the last day of Pesach
• Shavuot

Yizkor provides a remembrance opportunity to those members of the congregation whose loved ones have died.

Memorial plaques

The Temple provides the opportunity to purchase a memorial plaque in the sanctuary on special wall tablets. Lights are kindled beside the plaque in observance of Yahrzeit.

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