Brit Milah
For details of Brits, please contact The Initiation Society on 0208 455 5059.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
We are more than happy to celebrate Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in the synagogue and to prepare youngsters for this important occasion. Please contact cdjcsecretary@gmail.com as for more information.
Weddings
We are very happy to host wedding ceremonies. If you are planning a wedding, and would like to discuss this option, please email the Secretary.
Stays in hospital
If either you or your family would welcome a visit from the Chaplain, please contact Chaplain by email. Alternatively, call Colchester General Hospital (01206 747474), ask for the Duty Chaplain, and then ask him or her to contact the Jewish Hospital Chaplain.
Bereavements
Several people have asked what steps have to be taken when someone dies. There is a lot to know, and here are people who can help.
If the death is in hospital the hospital authorities will help you with the legalities. However, you cannot be certain that the hospital staff will know that the deceased is Jewish as they do not always ask the religion on admission. So it is essential that the family makes sure on admission or when the situation becomes critical that the ward staff are aware that the patient is Jewish. If someone dies elsewhere, the situation is more complicated.
If the deceased was a member of the United Synagogue Burial Scheme, contact us using the form and we will arrange for the the necessary information to be passed to you, to allow you to contact the United Synagogue Burial office who will then liaise with the hospital and arrange the burial. However, they will not collect the body until all the legalities are taken care of. The United Synagogue Burial Scheme telephone number is 020 8950 7767, but it is not answered personally on Shabbat. There is an answering machine and someone will call back as soon as Shabbat is over.
If the deceased was not a member of the United Synagogue Burial Scheme, or you wish to be buried in the Jewish part of the Cemetery in Colchester contact usand we will arrange to notify the Colchester Cemetery authorities who can start to prepare for a funeral right away.
More detailed information about what to do can be found here: When Someone Dies_Feb_2021