An Important Message from the Edmonton Chevra Kadisha

(March 18 – Edmonton) – The Edmonton Chevra Kadisha issued this important notice to the Edmonton Jewish Community.

Dear Community Members:

By now, everyone is likely aware of the Covid-19 (corona) virus and its effect on our lives. The Edmonton Chevra Kadisha, like other organizations and business, has implemented practices to reduce the risk from this virus. Our priorities remain to preserve the health of our community and our volunteers while at the same time, to try to preserve the services and customs we offer which are considered essential by our community.

Public health and government authorities have declared large gatherings of people, or gatherings attended by out of town people, or those who are medically compromised, to be risky and should be avoided. Many of our mourning practices (funerals, shiva visits etc.) are of this type of activity. 

 Until further notice, funerals at our site will be restricted to graveside services only. Attendees will be asked to maintain safe distances from others and to wear gloves when participating in the mitzvah of burial. While we recognize that mourners are often from out of town, we cannot wait for a self-isolation period to conclude before holding a funeral if we are to perform the mitzvah of burial according to Jewish mourning practices. Anyone feeling unwell or just returning from an out of country trip, is asked to refrain from attending. 

 Anyone needing to contact us is asked to call our 24-hour phone line at 780-482-3065.

 Circumstances involving the corona virus are constantly changing, and it may be necessary to adjust these policies on short notice. It is our hope that this situation will resolve itself in the very near future and that we can soon return to our usual practices.

 Until then, we wish everyone good health and remind you to follow the advice of health professionals.