Many Jews and their interfaith partners don’t know what to do when a death in the family occurs. That’s about to change with an upbeat free presentation called “Jewish Funeral Traditions on Film,” presented by Gail Rubin and held by the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada on November 18.
A scene from Nora’s Will
Attendees will learn Jewish traditions related to death, funerals and mourning through humorous film clips from movies including The Cemetery Club, My Mexican Shivah, and Nora’s Will. Presenter Gail Rubin explains rituals before, during and after funerals that help families heal from grief. Topics of discussion include the rituals of tahara (washing and dressing of the body), shomer (watching the body before the funeral), and shivah (seven days of mourning), and how Jewish burial is naturally green burial.
The Doyenne of Death® Gail Rubin, CT, is a member of the Chevrah Kaddisha and the cemetery committee for Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, NM. She’s the author and host of the award-winning book and TV show, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die. A Certified Thanatologist (a death educator), she uses a light touch to start serious discussions of end-of-life issues.
Rubin says, “Talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, talking about funerals won’t make you dead. Come to this event and start a conversation today.”
This event is made possible thanks to the support of these sponsors: Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services, King David Memorial Chapel & Cemetery, Jewish Family Service Agency, The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, and Nathan Adelson Hospice.
“Jewish Funeral Traditions on Film” takes place on Tuesday, November 18 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Nathan Adelson Hospice – Walter L. Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care, 4131 Swenson Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119. RSVP to info@jccsn.org or call 702-794-0090.