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- Rabbi Sue Levy
Funerals/Expert Profile
Expertise
I will be happy to answer questions about Jewish customs and beliefs relating to death and mourning and how these are observed by the different movements in the Jewish community. I can discuss the content of the Jewish funeral service as well as options from which you may choose. I can also suggest some important questions which one may want to ask a rabbi or funeral director when planning a funeral service.
Experience in the area
I have been a rabbi for twenty-three years and have served congregations in the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements. I taught an undergraduate course in Death and Dying at Temple University in Philadelphia and have taught classes in Jewish mourning customs in numerous locations. I am also a widow. My experience as a mourner enabled me to see, in a very practical way, which of the traditions, "worked" for me and which did not. One of the most important things I learned is that, even for Jews who do not accept the authority of Jewish law, many of the traditional practices have enormous psychological wisdom. I can offer both an educated an sympathetic ear.
Organizations
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Houston Rabbinical Association.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin silver | 01/16/12 | 10 | 9 | 10 | THANKYOU for giving me a totally honest ..... |
| Deanna | 10/26/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you very much for such a ..... |
| Tim Knecht | 10/24/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Rabbi, Thank you so very much for ..... |
| George | 10/22/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for your advice. I will ..... |
| james | 06/29/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Rabbi Levy You answered my ..... |
Recent Answers from Rabbi Sue Levy
2011-04-09 Jewish coffin construction:
Dear Rick, Nothing may be done in the process of Jewish burial that would prevent or slow the natural decomposition of the human body. We come from the earth, and we are destined to return to the earth
2011-01-19 Shiva and Covering of the Mirrors:
It is the custom, among traditional Jews, to cover mirrors during the week of mourning for two reasons. First of all, mourners should not be made to feel self-conscious about their appearance. At a time
2011-01-15 beliefs on cremation:
Dear Jerry, Cremation is specifically forbidden in the Torah. Therefore, Jews do not cremate their loved ones, because it would violate a commandment. Our ancestors believed that a human being was created
2010-10-26 Buriel Service:
Dear Deanna, First, I am very sorry for your loss. If your boyfriend is a Koheyn, a member of the priestly tribe, then he is not allowed to go to any gravesite, even one that is Jewish. It sounds
2010-10-24 Mourning Ribbon:
Dear Miriam, I am so sorry for your loss. The tradition is to wear the ribbon for thirty days from the time of your husband's death. We do not wear visible signs of mourning on Shabbat. You will probably
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