In Case of Emergency

What to do if a death occurs

When a death occurs, please call Rabbi Laurie directly on her cell phone: (608) 628-6814. She is there to provide you with support, as well as to explain funeral customs and make arrangements if the funeral is local.

The Jewish cemetery (since 2009) is Beit Olamim, located at Sunset Memory Gardens on the far west side of Madison. Some of our members also choose to bury at Natural Path Sanctuary, a green cemetery near Madison.

Rabbi Laurie will also explain the customs of tahara (ritual washing of the deceased) and shmirah (volunteers staying with the deceased until burial), should those be of interest.

Members of Shaarei Shamayim can organize a shiva minyan after the funeral. Rabbi Laurie will discuss that with you as well.

If Rabbi Laurie is out of town, she will arrange for another rabbi to officiate at the funeral.