Bereavement support is a vital part of the wider chesed and pastoral care provided across the United Synagogue community.
From the moment we are aware of a bereavement, through to sitting shiva and into the months that follow, our communities work hard to ensure practical help, spiritual guidance and ongoing welfare care. Some of our larger communities employ care co-ordinators; others have volunteer co-ordinators. Within this, we also have over twenty dedicated Bereavement volunteer groups who are offering someone to talk to who is not personally connected, but is there to listen and care.
Pinner Synagogue is one of the first and most established communities to create its own Bereavement Support Group, which has been running continuously since 1992. Today it comprises of 10 dedicated volunteers who reach out to everyone who has had a bereavement and provide support around 30 to 35 bereaved members a year, through confidential and compassionate telephone support.
Richard Segalov, who currently leads Pinner’s bereavement volunteer group, explains, “Our long-standing model focuses on sensitive and consistent contact, offering space to talk, reflect and remember. We also have a reciprocal arrangement with Northwood and Ruislip United Synagogue should we feel someone benefits from support outside their immediate community.”
He goes on to share, “There is something deeply reassuring about knowing that within our Jewish community, there is always someone to turn to. Nowhere else have I seen this level of co-ordinated, compassionate care. It is something we should be incredibly proud of.”
Synagogues are continuing to create their own support groups, with the help of our Chesed team. A fantastic example of this is Mill Hill Synagogue, which launched its Bereavement Befrienders Group (a dedicated team of trained volunteers) on 12 June 2025. Since then, they have reached out to 51 recently bereaved members.
Debra Fisher, who created the Mill Hill Bereavement Befrienders Group, shares, “Having experienced profound grief myself, I wanted to create a support network for others facing similar challenges. By recognising the importance of combining emotional and practical support, I believe we are helping to heal the hearts of many who are experiencing bereavement.”
Debra shared “the response has been great, one member supported by our group whose father died told us, ‘What you do is much needed and is very much appreciated.’ Another member shared, ‘When my husband’s mother passed away, the Bereavement Team were amazing. The support we have felt is incredible and we cannot thank you enough.’
“Even when people do not take up the support, contact from the bereavement volunteers is really appreciated. A woman whose partner died told us ‘Fortunately, I am surrounded by love and do not need any additional support. That said, it was incredibly kind and thoughtful to give me a call and to know that the Community cares. I truly appreciate it.’”
Many of our community care groups offer bereavement befriending services, with volunteers receiving specialist training in providing bereavement support through US Chesed. We also work closely with the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service, who offer a range of bereavement support groups so you can meet people in a similar situation as well as one-to-one support from a professional counsellor if needed.
For more information on United Synagogue Bereavement support please email US Chesed or your local community Care Coordinator.
You can also contact the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service on 020 8951 3881, email or visit their website