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. All CBST funeral arrangements must be made through the CBST office and agreed upon by the clergy member who will be performing the service. Due to the unanticipated 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 9:00am-5:00pm, Friday 9:00am-3:00pm), call 212-929-9498 x875.
To reach a clergy member outside of regular office hours, call 917-513-0413.
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. Anyone wishing to reserve a plot in CBST’s private section of Cedar Park Cemetery must be a member in good standing for a minimum of three consecutive years, and be of the Jewish faith.
For information, contact cemetery@cbst.org, 212-929-9498
Memorial Plaques
Kuriel Chapel Family & Friends Memorial Wall
The Wine Family Sanctuary Memorial Wall is reserved for CBST Members who pass away. CBST Members may memorialize their loved ones on the Family and Friends Digital Memorial Board in the Kuriel Chapel. Names are read from the bimah on the Shabbat prior to yortzeit (anniversary of death). Annual yortzeit reminders are sent to all mourners whose yortzeits have been shared with the synagogue. It is traditional to make a contribution to the synagogue in memory of your loved ones which can include a donation, a publicly shared Shabbat Tribute, a listing in CBST’s High Holiday Book of Remembrance, and the Digital Memorial Board.
For more information, contact giving@cbst.org or 212-929-9498.