Jewish Burial and Funerals

If your loved one requires a Jewish funeral, the ACT Jewish Community offers the following information to help with the process.

Time frame
In Jewish tradition, the deceased should be buried with 24 hours, though this time frame might be a little longer if they passed on Shabbat (nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday) or a Jewish festival.

Recommended funeral home
The ACT Jewish Community usually works with William Cole Funerals in Belconnen, because they are familiar with the specific requirement for Jewish burial and funerals. The ACT Jewish Community does not receive any fee for this recommendation.

Before burial
In Jewish tradition, the body of the deceased is prepared for burial through a process known as Tahara. This involves washing and ritual purification of the body and wrapping it in a Jewish burial shroud.  This service is carried out by volunteer members of the ACT Jewish Community.

Jewish people are traditionally buried in a Jewish cemetery. In Canberra, the Woden and Gunghalin cemeteries have Jewish burial plots which may be available for sale. Families will need to contact the cemetery directly, explaining that they need a plot in the Jewish section.

Funeral service
The service can be carried out by your preferred Rabbi or, if available, a member of the Community who is trained in funeral services.  We note however that our volunteers are few, because we are a small community and may not always be available. 

Cost
The ACT Jewish Community will invoice member and non-member families for the burial shrouds. The family will pay William Cole Funerals for the coffin.  Non-members will also pay a separate funeral fee directly to the ACTJC.  All families are welcome to make a donation to the ACT Jewish Community in memory of their loved one, and as a token of appreciation for our service.