There are many options for end-of-life burial services serving the large Jewish community in Boca Raton and the surrounding area. However, while cremation has become more commonplace, quality, unbiased information surrounding this choice is still not so easily available.
The following provides a single location from which interested parties can further explore. It’s designed to be informative and non-judgmental, covering the basics and signposting toward more in-depth detail.
Jewish End-of-Life Options: a Boca Raton Cremation Guide
- How does a Jewish cremation work?
- Understanding the process and overcoming hurdles
- Further sources of information
How does A Jewish cremation work?
If a Jewish person has opted for cremation instead of burial, this doesn’t mean that traditional end-of-life practices and rituals must change. Indeed, there’s no need for any alterations to traditional end-of-life practices, unless it’s so desired. The only difference is that instead of burying the body, it’s cremated instead.
The hours and initial days following death proceed as normal. When the time comes for the ceremony, this will continue in a time-honored manner, with either the ashes being buried, interred, or the family scattering them (at the time or a later date) if this is what the deceased has chosen.
Understanding the process and overcoming hurdles
While cremation is becoming more mainstream in the more liberal Jewish denominations, even here it’s still the exception as opposed to the norm. Orthodox Jews hold very strong views against the practice.
This can make it challenging to not only find out information, but to follow the wishes of a loved one who’s expressed a wish to be cremated.
It’s the nature of traditions to evolve—and the move that we’re currently seeing regarding Jewish cremation is a very good example. There are many reasons why more people are opting to be cremated. These include sustainability, a lack of suitable consecrated ground, the cost and ease of transporting remains back to Israel for burial, and that many synagogues have sold off their burial grounds—therefore the owners are free to make their own regulations about the internment and burial of ashes.
Whatever the reason for cremation, most Jewish people would still like their rabbi to officiate their end-of-life ceremony. This is something that more are now open to, especially those who practice Reform Judaism.
One of the very first steps is to discuss with your rabbi if they are open to officiating for your loved one’s service. Many are, but even if they’re not prepared to be at the graveside when the ashes are interned, they’ll be happy to lead mourners at the funeral.
Currently, the scattering of ashes remains a controversial subject. However, Reform Judaism doesn’t forbid it. The family’s next of kin will take ultimate responsibility for the practice.
Further sources of information
While Jewish cremation is definitely increasing, there are still many grey and subjective areas. If you’re interested in discovering more, or a family member has expressed a wish for cremation, there are places where you can get practical, non-judgmental information.
You might like to contact your local Reform synagogue. The sect is the most progressive of all forms of Judaism and you might find your questions meet less opposition. The Jewish Cremation Society is another option to get information about cremation and alternative end-of-life services.
Contact the Jewish Cremation Society for a Full Boca Raton Cremation Services Guide
The Jewish Cremation Society exists to provide a single point of contact for everything to do with Jewish cremation and burials. Our confidential service is a safe space to discover more about the process, ask questions, and find providers. We serve Jewish people across the entire U.S.A., not just in Boca Raton.
Head to web link for more information and call our helpline today.
