What to do when a loved one passes?

We all, at some time in our lives, experience the passing of loved ones. HJC is here to offer support to you when you most need it.

Following is important information to help guide you through the process of making necessary arrangements upon the death of a loved one.

Step number one is to contact Rabbi Rosin at 631-427-1089, ext. 212, or by rabbirosin@hjcny.org. The Rabbi will guide you through all the steps necessary and of course will offer solace and support. In the event that Rabbi Rosin is unavailable, please contact HJC’s president, Leigh Murphy (516) 647-8396 or at leighatyson@gmail.com. Leigh will guide you to the appropriate clergy who is subbing for Rabbi Rosin.

In the event that your loved one passes during Shabbat or a holiday, clergy will not be immediately available. In that case, please leave a message and Rabbi Rosin (or a substitute clergy) will reach out to you as soon as the Sabbath or holiday is over. Understanding that if clergy is unavailable immediately this could cause you to experience even more stress and anxiety, we have put together some resources for you to consider as you are waiting to hear back.

Following is some basic information which will help you plan what you need to do:

Choose a Cemetery

 All HJC members are entitled to a burial plot at the Huntington Jewish Center Cemetery located at 500 Old Country Road in Dix Hills. If you choose to use the Huntington Jewish Center Cemetery, Executive Director Rachel Gritz will guide you through this process, and will issue a permit. The permit goes to Mt. Golda Cemetery (which manages our synagogue’s cemetery), and the funeral home of your choice.

 Local funeral homes:

 Star of David Memorial Chapel

1236 Wellwood Ave.

West Babylon, NY 11704

(631) 454-9600

 Gutterman’s Woodbury Location

8000 Jericho Tpke.

Woodbury, NY 11797

(516) 921-5757

 I.J. Morris Funeral Home

21 E. Deer Park Rd.

Dix Hills, NY 11746

(631) 499-6060

Alerting the Congregation of your loved one's passing

The synagogue will send out an email notification to the membership. (For example, time and location of funeral, address for shiva and preferences for donations, if applicable).

Setting up a Shiva House and Shiva Minyan  

Sisterhood can help you set up a shiva house if desired (set up food, cover mirrors, etc.). If you would like this done, let the Rabbi know and he will inform Sisterhood on your behalf. If you would like shiva minyans in your home, the Rabbi will contact members of the congregation, who will arrange for a leader to come to your home each night of the shiva. The synagogue can also provide prayer books and shiva chairs if needed.  If you need assistance in assuring that you have 10 people for a shiva minyan, Rabbi Rosin will contact Janet Zimmerman who will assist in this matter

Supportive Counseling

If in addition to pastoral care from the Rabbi, you would like supportive counseling at this difficult time, Chairperson of the Bereavement Committee and social worker Debbie Stein can reach out to you. Please let Rabbi Rosin know if you require further support.