Important message regarding tahara, funerals and shiva
In the challenging times we find ourselves it is reassuring to know that Judaism has an immense body of wisdom and guidance that can help us. As we have said many times over the recent fortnight, Judaism's highest commandment is pikuach nefesh: saving a soul.
And whilst we can't really argue the government and their advisers had that specific commandment in mind when they decreed that we should:
Stay home.
Protect the NHS.
Save lives.
...it does sound like a very Jewishly inspired concept.
In the attached letter, representatives from both Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism outline the new instructions, in order to save a soul, around the very emotive subject of death. This has been discussed by the rabbis of both movements and across the lay leadership too. We at Sinai also shared the thinking with our wonderful Chevra Kadisha (literally sacred society or holy community - those volunteers who care for the dead before burial).
The decision to follow the clear guidance of the government (another very Jewish principle: dina d'malkhuta dina - the law of the land is the law) has been very difficult. Very emotional. Most importantly, it is very much the right thing to do, in order that we can save as many souls as possible.
To do this, and try to minimise the growing pressure on the NHS and related funeral services, the very difficult decision has been taken to restrict the physical attendance at all funerals to solely the rabbi, cantor or shaliach tzibbur (service leader). We will be able to stream the service from the graveside for families and friends to watch if they choose. In addition, we will be able to create virtual shiva houses at times to allow people to visit grieving families.
Neither of these necessary steps are nice. They fill all of us with dread and sadness at the thought of actually having to carry them out. But they are absolutely the right thing to do in these challenging times where we must adhere to the law of the land, especially when it is built on the solid Jewish principle of pikuach nefesh: saving a soul.
If you have any question about this, please feel free to email David on
Stay safe. Stay home. Be healthy.
Rabbi Paul Moses Strasko
David J Israel, Chair