From Death to Burial: Program Description

Monday, January 4, through Friday, January 8, 2010, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Rabbinical and cantorial students have an exciting opportunity to learn firsthand about what goes on at a Jewish funeral home, from the time of death through the moment of burial. This mini-rotation is offered annually in January.

During this mini-rotation, students will:

• receive an orientation to the world of the Jewish funeral home
• listen in on first calls
• participate in the removal of deceased from homes and hospitals
• sit in on the making of arrangements with family and friends
• participate in tahara
• participate in shmirah
• attend the funeral
• go to the cemetery for burial
• debrief from the mini-rotation experience

Students should keep their schedules open for the afternoon to accommodate last-minute arrangements that are intrinsic to the world of funeral arrangements.

The funeral home can only handle up to five students at a time. Priority will be given to students closest to ordination/investiture who sign up before the deadline. Students must sign up for the mini-rotation by Monday, November 23, 2009, by contacting Rabbi Jonathan Lipnick, coordinator of Field Education, at jolipnick@jtsa.edu.

Coordinator: Andy Fier, executive director, Plaza Jewish Community Chapel
Contact: (212) 769-4400 or plazamemorial@aol.com