Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

There are stars up above,
so far away we only see their light
long, long after the star itself is gone.
And so it is with people that we loved --
their memories keep shining ever brightly
though their time with us is done.
But the stars that light up the darkest night,
these are the lights that guide us.
As we live our days, these are the ways to remember.
-- Hannah Senesh, Mishkan T'filah

We believe that the days surrounding the death of a loved one is holy time -- a time to be supported by one's community and to receive comfort.

Regardless of your background, if you are a mourner in our community, we want you to feel supported and comforted. We welcome you to mark the death of your loved ones, no matter their religious background, by joining us in reciting the Mourner's Kaddish (the prayer that marks the holiness of God even in times of loss), and by including the names of your loved ones on our yahrzeit list (a list of names of those who have died this week in years past). As well, our community will reach out to you and offer comfort by helping you to sit shiva (a ritual where the mourners open their home to food and visits from the community, as well as a short service) and connecting you to Jewish mourning practices. Finally, we regularly conduct funerals for congregational members, regardless of religious background, and all members are welcome to be buried in our cemetery, Sha'arei Shalom (Gates of Peace). To find out more about Sha'arei Shalom, click here.

Suggested reading: Jewish Reflections on Death by Jack Reimer