When a Member Passes Away
When a member passes away, we want you to know that your Beth Sholom Family is here for support. If your family is in crisis, please contact the synagogue office. If it is not during regular business hours, please listen carefully to the prompts for emergency contact information.
During this very difficult time, we often feel confused and wonder what to do next.
When a member passes away, your first step is to contact one of the two funeral homes listed below.
Benjamins Park Memorial, 2401 Steeles Avenue West, Toronto, (416) 663 9060
Steeles Memorial Chapel , 350 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill, (905) 881-6003
The funeral home will make an arrangement to meet with your family to arrange the details of the time and place for the funeral.
They will either contact the Rabbi for you or you may choose to contact the Rabbi yourself.
Plots
Beth Sholom has two sections of plots at the Mount Sinai Cemetery, which is located at Keele and Wilson in Toronto. Each member in good standing is entitled to one burial plot in our cemetery. Burial plots are available to members only.
In cases where there is a surviving spouse, the spouse may choose to reserve the adjoining plot. A registration fee will apply. You must advise the funeral home of your intention to reserve an adjoining plot next to the deceased.
All plots are subject to a registration fees. Please contact the synagogue office for further information.
A member may opt to pre-reserve both plots. Please contact the synagogue office for more information on how this can be arranged.
Foundations, Monuments and Unveilings
There are many customs relating to the timing of erecting the monument and unveiling ceremonies.
You may select the monument provider of your choice, however, all monuments must meet the size regulations set out by the cemetery. The funeral home you have selected will be helpful in assisting you with obtaining the names of different providers in the city if you require.
The cost of the monument is the responsibility of the family. The monument company must apply for a permit to erect the monument in the cemetery. Before a permit can be granted, you will be asked to reimburse the synagogue for the cost of the monument foundation, which is already pre-existing.
To discuss the details and customs of the unveiling and arrange a convenient time, please speak with the rabbi directly.
Support and Counseling
Always remember, the rabbi is available to you to guide you through these very difficult times. It’s not unusual for a mourner to experience a wide range of emotions and this can be very troubling.
If you ever feel the need to speak to someone please speak with our Rabbi or obtain grief counseling to help you get through this most difficult time your synagogue family is here to support you.
Honouring the Memory of your Loved One
There are many opportunities to honour the memory of your loved one within the synagogue to which they have contributed for so many years. Each donation will be recorded and acknowledged by a donation card selected from a series drawn from our Grand Cities of Israel stained glass windows which adorn our Kiddush lobby. Alternately, a Yahrtzeit or Seat plaque dedicated to their memory may be obtained in either the Sanctuary of the Chapel. To discuss other opportunities please contact our Executive Director, Barbara Berke at 416-783-6103.