Death & Mourning

Death & Mourning

When a Loved One Has Died

Our community is at its strongest when we show up for each other — not only in times of joy, but also in times of sadness, loss, and tragedy. If you are grieving, we want to support you.

Dealing with the death of a loved one is an emotionally challenging event that often feels overwhelming. Judaism provides us ancient traditions, rituals, and liturgy that can bring us consolation. Our rabbis are honored to provide comfort and advice regarding end-of-life decisions, logistics, and funerals.

Our clergy visit and support families in hospitals, hospice care, and at home. If a death is imminent, please contact us at (202) 342-9175 or email the office so that a member of our team can connect you with our clergy.

For more information about how Judaism addresses death, we like this resource from RitualWell.

Shiva

Shiva is a time when the community can join together to support those in mourning. For Temple Micah shiva customs, please see our Shiva Guide.

Yahrzeit

Yahrzeits (anniversaries of the deaths of loved ones) are commemorated on Friday evening and Saturday morning. A yahrzeit notice will be sent to members who have provided information to the temple. If you wish to speak at services in memory of a loved one, please contact the office about the availability of the desired date.

Cemetery

Temple Micah maintains a cemetery for members and their families at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Adelphi, MD. Nearly 400 burial sites are located in two sections. Learn more about the cemetery.

The cemetery is a Temple Micah community effort, managed by the Cemetery Trustees. A perpetual maintenance fund pays for the annual upkeep of the landscaping. A cemetery trustee is always on call to provide assistance whether a plot already is owned or must be purchased. The trustee will help deal with the cemetery personnel, accompany the family member to the cemetery, and assist with the details.

For further information, contact a cemetery trustee.

Directions to Temple Micah Cemetery (general)

Mt. Lebanon Cemetery is located off Adelphi Road in Adelphi, MD.

Please note the entrance to Temple Micah Cemetery is located on Adelphi Rd between New Hampshire and Riggs Rd. The main entrance from Riggs Rd will take you to the wrong section of the cemetery.

After entering Mt. Lebanon Cemetery from Adelphi Rd, to go to the Adelphi Road part of the Micah Cemetery, take your first right and go to the end of cul-de-sac — the Temple Micah section is straight ahead down the hill. To go to the Cemetery Road section of the Micah Cemetery, from the cemetery entrance go straight past the cemetery office, continuing as the road bends left and left again. The section is on your right, marked by the Micah bench.

Directions FROM Temple Micah TO Mt. Lebanon Cemetery

From Temple Micah, go north on Wisconsin Ave.

Right on Garfield St. Go two blocks

Left on 34th St. (This becomes Reno Rd.)

Right on Nebraska Ave.

Right on Military Road (Military becomes Missouri Ave.)

Left on 13th Street which becomes Piney Branch Rd.

Left on New Hampshire Ave.

Go out New Hampshire to Adelphi Road

Make right on Adelphi Road, go about one mile

Cemetery will be on your left

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