The death of a beloved family member is one of the most difficult and stressful events that we face in our lifetime. There are decisions to be made, many of which have to be done almost immediately. Jewish Memorial Gardens realizes how hard this is on the family, and has put a great deal of effort into minimizing the burden on the family.
Our Executive Director is well equipped to provide the necessary information required at time of death, and to advise you of the procedures surrounding the preparation for the funeral, burial, and shiva process.
When a death occurs, regardless of time of day, or night, unless during Shabbat or Yom Tov, call Jewish Memorial Gardens at 613-688-3530. There are several selections to choose from, but by selecting ‘Option 1′, you will immediately be put through to the Executive Director, to notify of the death. The Executive Director will then guide you through the arrangement process of the funeral and burial.
PLEASE NOTE: Calls will NOT be answered on Shabbat or Yom Tov. You must wait until AFTER sundown on these days to call. No arrangements can be made until then.
Please go to this site for this week’s Shabbat times. The site also provides monthly calendars where you will see the times for Jewish holidays.
Once you reach the Executive Director, she will ask you for the following information:
- English and Hebrew name of the deceased.
- Where the deceased is currently located.
- If the deceased has Interment Rights, and if yes, in the section of which synagogue. (Each synagogue has its own section at the cemetery and exercise Halakhic control over that section.)
- If the deceased was a Member of the synagogue, in good standing, if not, their membership will need to be paid.
- If there has been a pre-arrangement with a funeral director.
- Contact information for next of kin, or person responsible for the deceased.
The Executive Director will then assist you in dealing with the following items:
- FUNERAL DIRECTOR – The Executive Director can provide information on a funeral director normally used by our Jewish community.
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- Hulse, Playfair & McGarry – 613-233-1143
- Kelly – 613-828-2313
- McEvoy-Shields – 613-737-7900
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- OTTAWA CHEVRA KADISHA – The Executive Director will notify the Ottawa Chevra Kadisha of the death and the requirement for their services.
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- TAHARA – This is the ritual purification of the body, which is generally carried out by members of the Ottawa Chevra Kadisha. It fulfills the Biblical verse: “As we come forth, so shall we return.”
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- SHOMER – The Shomer is a person who sits with the deceased until the time of the funeral. Should you wish to have a Shomer, and don’t have a relative or family friend to perform this observance, the Executive Director can help to arrange for one through the Ottawa Chevra Kadisha.
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- TALLIT – The Executive Director will ask if the family has possession of a Tallit (Prayer Shawl) that will travel with the deceased to the funeral location. A Tallit can be provided by the Ottawa Chevra Kadisha if necessary.
- CLERGY & SYNAGOGUE – The Executive Director will notify the synagogue rabbi of the death and will determine with the synagogue director if the deceased had interment rights and has maintained their synagogue membership.
- FINANCIAL – The Executive Director will advise the family member of what fees will be collected by the funeral director for the following items where applicable: Synagogue membership fees (if applicable), Interment Rights (if applicable), Opening and Closing of the Grave, Tahara (performed by the Ottawa Chevra Kadisha), Shomer (arranged by the Ottawa Chevra Kadisha.) There will also be the funeral director’s fees, such as: the Kosher casket, transportation, registration of the death, etc.
- SCHEDULING – The Executive Director will work with the family and the Clergy to schedule the time of the funeral.
- LOCATION – The Executive Director will provide information on locations, listed below, where the funeral may be held.
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- Jewish Community Chapel (Ottawa Chevra Kadisha Chapel) located at 1771 Cuba Avenue
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- Cwinn Chapel (at the Osgoode Cemetery) located at 6549 Herberts Corners Road
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- Graveside
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- Or at a local Synagogue
- SHIVA – The Executive Director will provide advice on the observance of the Shiva period which follows the burial.
The Executive Director of Jewish Memorial Gardens is here to serve you. She will answer your questions and will assist you with all of the details associated with the funeral and burial.
