Auckland Chevra Kadisha relationship with the Rabbi

The Auckland Chevra Kadisha and Benevolent Society is a small group of volunteers who perform the usual functions associated with Chevra Kadisha around the world. In Auckland, we place great value on a close and cohesive relationship with the Rabbi of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation.
The principal areas of interaction between the Rabbi and the Chevra Kadisha are as follows. It is important to note that the Rabbi is employed by the AHC but the AHC authorises the Chevra to engage with the Rabbi as shown.

Funerals

The Chevra is responsible for managing the Hebrew section at Waikumete Cemetery and for organising burials and all other functions performed at the cemetery.
When a member passes away, the Chevra is the first to attend. We help the family to deal with the organisational issues surrounding the bereavement and prepare them for the funeral over the next few days. In some circumstances, the Rabbi may be required to verify the Jewish status of the deceased and rule on their eligibility for burial. In such cases, time is very much of the essence and prompt attendances are essential.
It is the role of the Rabbi to conduct the funeral and to deliver the eulogy on behalf of the family. However, on some occasions, the family will have a close friend who they prefer to deliver the eulogy or to speak briefly in addition to the Rabbi and we of course accommodate this.
The Rabbi shall work in conjunction with the President of the Chevra as to the format of the service, the objective being to maintain consistency with past tradition whilst simultaneously encouraging the Rabbi to make positive change where appropriate.
It is important to note that the successful AHC Rabbis have embraced these life cycle events as opportunities to meet families, explore their history, their relatives and their connection to the community. We have learned that it is an essential component in the bonding of a new Rabbi with the community and the community with the Rabbi.

To deliver a meaningful eulogy requires the Rabbi to:

a) Visit the sick and those likely to soon pass away.
b) Visit the family of the bereaved within 24 hours of passing.
c) Make notes about the bereaved.
d) Write and deliver the eulogy with understanding and compassion.

To arrive at the cemetery to conduct such a vital service with little or no knowledge of the deceased or their family and not having met with the mourners beforehand is not considered appropriate.

Relief and Visiting the Sick

The Rabbi will be expected to liaise with the Relief Officer of the Chevra to organise regular visits to the elderly and the sick. This includes a visit once every 6 weeks to see the aged residents of Shalom Court (Jewish retirement home), visits to hospitals etc as required. Allocating one afternoon every two weeks has proven to be an appropriate commitment.
It must be noted that confidentiality and the utmost of discretion is an essential requirement of the Rabbi.

Consecrations

The Rabbi shall be required to perform consecration services at the Cemetery. Traditionally, these short services (approx 1 hour) occur once every month or second month and are conducted on Sundays.

Halachic Advice and Committee Involvement

Under the rules of the Chevra Kadisha, the Rabbi of the AHC shall interpret and rule on any dispute relating to Halacha or the customs, rules and usages of the Jewish faith as pertaining to the Chevra Kadisha. Whilst not compulsory, the occasional attendance at Chevra committee meetings would be most welcome in maintaining this much valued relationship.