What To Do When a Death Occurs

During the Rabbi’s sabbatical—through May 15, 2025, end of life and bereavement care has been arranged with our community rabbis. Your first step is to call the synagogue office, 608-256-7763. If the office is closed, please call our Interim Executive Director, Steve Sheiffer, directly, at 608-921-4529. If he does not answer, leave a message. Steve will contact the rabbi scheduled to meet your needs at that time. The rabbi on the schedule will contact you to provide immediate support, guidance in funeral planning, and to conduct the funeral.

Please understand that if it is Shabbat, a holiday, or night time, the Rabbi will call you as soon as possible but may not be able to return your call immediately. Our staff is here to help you in every way possible, including helping you with information regarding funeral and Shiva arrangements. We can also help to arrange Sh’mira (people to sit near the body before burial).

Your next call should be to the funeral home, which is available 24/7. Call the funeral home even if you have not yet been able to connect with the Rabbi. The funeral home will guide you through the process of moving the body and beginning to plan for the funeral. We work closely with two local funeral homes: Cress Funeral Home (608-238-3434) and Gunderson Funeral Home (608-221-5420). If the deceased was Jewish, tell the funeral home, when you call, that you would like the Chevra Kadisha to provide Tahara (ritual washing of the deceased).

WHEN THE RABBI IS NOT ON SABBATICAL: If you know that the Rabbi is on vacation or out of town, call her anyway on her cell phone 847-421-1905.  Even when she is traveling, the Rabbi wants be a source of comfort to you and your loved ones. She will also make sure that resources in Madison are lined up to support you in her absence.

It is at times like these that we need our community the most.  If possible, a friend or relative who is not one of the direct mourners should serve as a liaison between the immediate mourners and the community, so that those who wish to provide support know what kinds of help are needed, such as food and other necessities for the family during Shiva. A member of the BIC Shiva Team can also fulfill this role. At the time of death, Rabbi Betsy or someone else in the BIC office will help with these arrangements.

Our kahal (congregation) takes it as a sacred duty to comfort and support you in this difficult time.  We hope to ensure that you and your family are able to fully mourn your loved one according to your needs and supported by our tradition.  Please do not hesitate to ask the Rabbi for help with any concerns or needs you may have at this difficult time.

For more information about bereavement and shiva practices, click here.

For information about purchasing plots: Beit Olamim / Jewish Burial Association of Madison