David Thompson (right) and Erica Dean: “It is comforting to know that everybody is treated the same…”
Erica Dean and partner David Thompson recently toured Chesed Shel Emes as part of an introductory course about Judaism from Congregation Shaarey Zedek. For Dean, an articling lawyer, this was her first exposure to Jewish burial traditions.
“David had been there as a volunteer pallbearer when he was at Gray Academy, but I was unsure about what to expect. Although we are young and have so much more to experience in our lives, this tour was important. It was a very welcoming place. We left reassured, knowing what to expect upon passing. It is comforting to know that everybody is treated the same—with respect and dignity. Every Jewish person is buried alike: wearing a white, hand-made shroud in a simple wood coffin, regardless of how one lived.”
