Losing a loved one
Temple families receive support that recognizes the sanctity and dignity of human life in all its stages. To those nearing death and their loved ones, our Rabbi, Amy L. Morrison can provide comfort, spiritual guidance for difficult end-of-life decisions, and can help with mortuary and cemetery arrangements. She can also be available to officiate at funerals, to lead shivah minyan services at family homes, and to officiate at unveilings.
If you need assistance in any of these ways, please click below or contact Allison Fowler, Executive Assistant to the Rabbi. You may also contact Heritage Funeral Care who serves our community with distinction, at (727) 444-0143.
Cremation
It is a mitzvah to bury the dead with all proper respect. Jewish tradition defines this mitzvah as the burial of the body in the earth. While cremation is certainly contrary to traditional Judaism, there is actually no clear-cut prohibition of cremation in Jewish literature. The Reform rabbinate seeks to encourage the traditional practice of burial in the earth whenever possible. However, the higher value, in our opinion and practice, is to ensure that every Jew is honored with a Jewish funeral service, and therefore Rabbi Amy L. Morrison will conduct a funeral or memorial service in these circumstances.
