Curious about Jewish funeral traditions? In an interfaith relationship and want to know more about your partner’s Jewish roots? Sign up for this Osher Lifelong Learning Institute class on Tuesday, July 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University of New Mexico Continuing Education Center, 1634 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM  87131 (located on the NE side of Indian School Road & University Boulevard).

This two-hour class incorporates film clips to illustrate the implementation of Jewish funeral traditions and lighten the conversation with humor. Information hand-outs will be provided. Register for class #81396 ($20) through this page at UNM’s Continuing Education website.

Description: Jewish traditions regarding death and dying, the funeral, the treatment of the body, burial, mourning, and annual remembrances are very different from Christian practices. This talk illuminates the differences and similarities of these funeral traditions – highly beneficial for interfaith families. Scenes from two comedic films from Mexico, My Mexican Shivah and Nora’s Will, as well as American movies, This Is Where I Leave You, Two Weeks, and The Cemetery Club illustrate Jewish funeral, burial and mourning traditions.

Gail Rubin speaking, photo by Pete Vidal.

Course instructor Gail Rubin, CT, is a pioneering death educator who uses humor and funny film clips to bring a light touch to a serious subject. She volunteers with the Chevra Kaddisha, a group that ritually prepares the bodies of Jews for burial, and she serves on the cemetery committee for Congregation Albert synagogue. She’s the author of three books on end-of-life issues: A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die; Hail & Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips; and Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die.