A Guide
Jewish Funerals in Tasmania
Practical guidance for families arranging a Jewish funeral, burial at Cornelian Bay, and observance of shiva. All communication is handled in confidence.
Providing Jewish funeral services is one of the most important functions of our Congregation. A major theme throughout this guide is that it is imperative that you communicate your plans with the Congregation president — all communication is handled confidentially. We are fortunate that there are no charges for burial plots at the Jewish cemetery at Cornelian Bay.
Steps to Take
The process
Legal steps
Express your wish for a Jewish funeral to family or a trusted person and state it explicitly in your will — at minimum that it be organised through the Hobart Hebrew Congregation. Once your will is in force, formally notify the HHC president, including your solicitor's name and contact details.
The service
Let the president know your preference for a lay leader or Rabbi (the Congregation helps arrange the visit, not any associated costs) and your preferred service type — Orthodox, Masorti or Progressive.
Funeral parlour
When making parlour arrangements, state clearly that you would like a Jewish funeral. A brief form for Millingtons is required — contact the President for this.
Communication
Make sure your hospital or doctors know you are Jewish and wish for a Jewish funeral, and arrange for family or a trusted person to notify the Congregation president immediately after your death.
Reserving a plot
Contact the Congregation president to reserve a plot at the Jewish cemetery, Cornelian Bay. A map of available plots will be provided.
Costs
There is no charge for burial plots at Cornelian Bay, nor for Tahara (preparing the body). The parlour charges its own fees (e.g. grave digging). A niche for cremation (Progressive only) can be purchased in advance through the funeral parlour.
Jewish funeral customs
Orthodox services require burial; Progressive services can accommodate cremation. Coffins are plain, unpainted wood without metal fittings — simple eco-coffins usually meet this. No flowers, no live or recorded music, and no public viewing of the coffin. Only Jews may conduct the ritual elements of the service, though non-Jews are welcome to give readings.