The primary mission of the Bereavement Committee is to console those who have suffered a loss and to facilitate the bereavement process, in keeping with Jewish tradition and Temple Isaiah custom, at the time of a loved-one’s death. As soon as committee members are notified of a death within the Temple community, they contact the bereaved family to offer sympathy and support and to help facilitate the rituals, demands, and challenges of the funeral and mourning period. Key activities include the following:
- setting up an “Isaiah Plan” with funeral directors—a pre-selected casket and other details—to ease the burdens of decision-making at the time of a death
- expressing condolences on behalf of the congregation
- contacting friends and relatives who can help in setting up meals and in other preparations for the funeral and shiva period
- helping to arrange for leaders to conduct shiva minyans in mourners’ homes
- helping to arrange for housesitters on the day of the funeral
- coordinating the training of shiva minyan leaders
- providing educational materials and occasional programs to help families understand and prepare for future losses
For further information, contact the co-chairs of the Bereavement Committee, Florence Harris and Carol Sacerdote, at 
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