HOW OUR HEVRA BEGAN
In 1979 Rabbi Arnold Goodman of Congregation Adath Jeshrun, Minneapolis, MN, inspired Neveh Shalom by establishing a Hevra Kavod Hamet and a return to simple Jewish Funeral traditions. Following their lead, Neveh Shalom began offering final services of sincere care, honor and respect.

OUR PURPOSE
The Hevra Kavod Hamet, based at Neveh Shalom, serves the living and honors the dead. The Hevra reaches out to the entire Jewish Community and includes members from Neveh Shalom and other local congregations. New volunteer members of the Hevra are always welcomed and will be trained. If you are seeking meaningful work, becoming a member of the Hevra Kavod Hamet can offer tremendous person growth. Call Holman's Funeral Service at 503.232.5131 and they can put you in contact with the Hevra.

THE TRADITIONAL JEWISH FUNERAL
Jewish traditions of burial and mourning honor the Met/Meta (deceased) with a simple and dignified funeral in accordance with guidelines established by the Rabbinical Assembly Commission on Law and Standards. The Hevra Kavod Hamet follows the traditional burial procedures:

• The Met/Meta is not embalmed but maintained under refrigeration at the funeral home.
• The funeral is carried out as soon as possible after death.
• The Met/Meta is prepared for burial by the ancient ritual of Tahara (washing and purification) and then dressed in the simple traditional burial garment called Tachrich (shroud).
• A sack of earth from Israel is placed in the Aron (casket) and the casket is then sealed forever. There is no viewing.

The trained men and women of the Hevra respectfully carry out these rituals. The Hevra recommends the use of a plain wood Aron in which the Met/Meta is finally placed for burial. The Rabbi and Cantor customarily conduct funeral services for members of Neveh Shalom, either at the Cemetery Chapel, the synagogue or graveside in accordance with the wishes of the family.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HEVRA
Members of the Hevra will perform Tahara for any Jew from any congregation, affiliated or not. We will work with all Rabbis and families seeking services in accordance with sanctioned tradition.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES
The Hevra provides educational programs for the Jewish community about Jewish traditions of death and loss.

WHAT TO DO AT THE TIME OF DEATH
The greatest help for a grieving family or friend is to quickly call the Synagogue office at 503.246.8831 ext. 113.** Someone at this number will immediately contact the Rabbi and, if requested, the Hevra to provide the requested services.
**If there is no answer call Rabbi Daniel Isaak directly at 503.228.8819, or Executive Director Fred Rothstein at 503.475.2934.

COST OF SERVICES
Hevra volunteers operate without fee for their personal services. Direct costs ($60) such as the Tachrich (shroud) and Tahara supplies will be billed directly to the family by the funeral home.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR DEATH AND LOSS
Making plans for this unavoidable part of life and living may spare you and loved ones unnecessary pain and worry. Prearrangements may be made by calling the Synagogue's Cemetery Director at 503.246.8831 ext. 113. The office can arrange contact with the Hevra. A Hevra representative will contact you to discuss the option of a burial in accordance with Jewish tradition.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE INFORMED AND PREPARED BEFORE A LOSS OCCURS
Discuss this important matter with your family and Rabbi NOW.

"There is a time to weep...A time to mourn" Ecclesiastes 3:4