Funeral Services, Minyans, and Unveilings

The above occasions are joyful ones. At Beth-El we want to be there for you in grief and sadness, as well. When you know that a loved one is dying it is advisable to talk to the Rabbi in advance for advice on funeral arrangements (and he also makes hospital calls). Jewish funerals may be held at a graveside, funeral home, or elsewhere, but we encourage use of the Temple.

When a death occurs you will want to call the Rabbi. If he is not at the Temple they will likely know where to find him, or during off hours you may call him at home. (If the Rabbi is out of town, rest assured arrangements for emergencies will have been made. When the office is closed feel free to call the Temple President, who would normally also know how to get in touch with the Rabbi, or who is covering if he is unavailable.) The Rabbi or office can help you identify an appropriate funeral home, and Rabbi Mecklenburger will want to talk with you to discuss the funeral, or to help with local arrangements and to see how else Beth-El can be supportive of you even if the funeral is to be in another community.

If burial is to be in Fort Worth, we are proud of our lovely section of Greenwood Cemetery, where individual or family plots are available. We also manage Fort Worth’s pioneer Jewish Cemetery, Emanuel Hebrew Rest. The Temple office can help with plots and other arrangements.

Many Beth-El families like to have a minyan service in their home following a funeral. The Rabbi and volunteers are available to help with this. The Temple is also available for minyan services or as a place where families can greet and be comforted by family and friends following a funeral.

To schedule the unveiling of a grave marker, call Rabbi Mecklenburger. Unveilings are not a requirement in Jewish tradition, but many families like to have such a ceremony and, once again, Beth-El is anxious to be supportive.