Funerals & Mourning

The CBST community is a tremendous source of support at times of loss. Our clergy may perform ‎funerals for immediate family of CBST members, even if the deceased was not a member at the ‎time of their death. As with all CBST funerals, arrangements must be made through the CBST ‎office and agreed upon by the clergy who will be performing the service. Due to the emergency nature ‎of funerals, we cannot guarantee the availability of specific clergy or a specific time and ‎date for funerals. Please speak with a CBST rabbi before finalizing arrangements. 

To discuss arrangements during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.), call 212-929-9498 x875‎.

To reach a clergy member outside of regular office hours, call 917-513-0413.
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Shiva
The ritual of shiva guides the mourner through the immediate days following a loss. It is ‎customary to hold a shiva minyan (evening and/or morning prayer service) in the house of ‎mourning, as a way of bringing the community to you in your time of need. CBST’s clergy and lay leaders lead shiva minyanim for CBST members regardless of the ‎membership status of the deceased.‎

Information About the Mitzvah of Shiva ‎
Shiva is a time for family, friends and CBST members to gather to pay condolences. It is ‎traditional when you arrive at the residence to enter quietly, usually without ringing the bell.‎ The Shiva gathering usually includes a short service requiring a minyan, which gives the ‎mourners an opportunity to recite Kaddish in their house. As part of the service the family may ‎offer remembrances and others may be invited to speak. ‎You may bring some food – dairy or parve – to share or for the family to eat later. It is a mitzvah to attend a Shiva. It is not necessary that you know the deceased or the mourners ‎for your presence to be comforting.  ‎

CBST Cemetery

A private section in Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ. CBST members may purchase burial rights
for themselves, family and friends. For information, contact Carrie Connor at giving@cbst.org, 212-929-9498

Memorial Plaques

Kuriel Chapel
Family & Friends Memorial Wall
photo by Elizabeth Felicella, ESTO

For information, contact 
Membership Dept.
giving@cbst.org,  212-929-9498 

The Wine Family Sanctuary Memorial Wall is reserved for those CBST Members who pass away. CBST Members may memorialize their family and friends in the Kuriel Chapel. Names are read from the bimah on the Shabbat prior to Yortzeit (anniversary of death). Annual reminders are sent to mourners who have purchased memorial inscriptions at CBST. It is traditional to make an annual Yortzeit contribution to the synagogue. Prayerbook bookplate inscription is another meaningful tribute to loved ones we have lost.

With a contribution of $18,000 to the CBST Capital Reserve Fund, a CBST Member may dedicate a bench in the Wine Family Sanctuary. There are also dedication opportunities in the Home of Our Own Capital Campaign. To discuss these and other memorial or honorial opportunities, contact CBST 212-929-9498 or giving@cbst.org.