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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 T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deborah | 06/14/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Rabbi Levy gave a timely and sensitive ..... |
| Mitzi | 06/10/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks |
| Doron | 03/03/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for your very kind answer ..... |
| Noreen | 01/30/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thnak you for your quick and very ..... |
| Gaye | 10/29/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you very much for your thoughtful ..... |
Recent Answers from Rabbi Sue Levy
2009-10-12 burial:
Dear Vivian, While some people turn the shovel upside down, it is not mandatory, and it is not done by all Jews. When it is done, it is to make a clear distinction between the way the shovel is ordinarily
2009-10-11 unveiling ceremony:
Dear Steph, It is entirely appropriate for you to attend the unveiling. It is usually a very brief ceremony. Sometimes a rabbi or cantor will lead this, and on other occasions, it is lead by a family
2009-07-28 funeral attire:
Dear Ashley, You should be fine if you wear any kind of business attire - a suit, a dress that is appropriate for summer, but not sleevless or skimpy. (Very short skirts would not be appropriate.) It
2009-06-10 Maiden Name on Grave Marker:
Dear Paule, The Jewish tradition has nothing to say in regard to your question because until relatively recently, names were written out only in Hebrew characters, and an individuals Hebrew name included
2009-06-09 Flowers:
Dear Mitzi, We don't believe in cutting down a living thing to honor the dead, so it would be more considerate for you to skip the flowers. People will sometimes bring sweets to the house of mourning
Answers by Expert:
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