Leading Rabbonim and Askonei Chevros Kadisha Gather in London for Landmark Seminar on Practical Halocho

Over 80 Rabbonim, Dayanim, and members of Chevros Kadisha from across the UK and Europe gathered in London last week for a groundbreaking seminar on practical halachic matters, including the handling of niftorim, minhagim of aveilus, and the maintenance of mikvaos. Spearheaded by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) and hosted by Kehillas Federation, the event provided in-depth discussions and hands-on guidance, ensuring participants left with strengthened knowledge and practical expertise.

The three-day programme, held primarily at the Machzikei Hadass shul in Golders Green, was opened by Dayan Avraham David, Rosh Beit Din of the Spanish & Portuguese Beis Din, who addressed the issue of assisted dying, stressing the strict halachic prohibitions involved. The seminar’s keynote speaker was HaRav Yaakov Ruza shlita, one of the foremost contemporary halachic authorities on end-of-life and burial matters. He spoke alongside other esteemed Rabbonim, including HaRav Shraga Feivel Zimmerman shlita, Rosh and Av Beis Din of Kehillas Federation, and HaRav Eliezer Leiber Schneebalg of Machzikei Hadass, Edgware.

Participants also benefited from a series of in-depth presentations delivered by Rabbi Moshe Goldberg a noted expert in the field of mikvaos who travelled from Eretz Yisroel. His shiurim detailed the complex halachic requirements for the design and construction of mikvaos; he emphasised how these requirements must be integrated at every stage, from the initial floor plan design to on-site supervision during the pouring of the concrete. The sessions on mikvaos were complemented by a site visit to the Edgware Mikvah, where Dayan Levi Raskin provided insightful explanations on its construction and ongoing maintenance.

Throughout the seminar, Rav Ruza delivered pivotal sessions on the halachic and practical aspects of handling a niftar, as well as the customs of taharah across different kehillos. Covering a wide range of halachic issues—from when a community member is on their deathbed, through the levaya, and beyond—he provided unparalleled insight drawn from his extensive experience as the Rabbi of the Chevra Kadisha and ZAKA in Tel Aviv and with the IDF. Rav Ruza also shared poignant and difficult stories from his recent involvement in the current war, interspersed with much-needed humour, leaving the audience deeply moved by his dedication to the mitzvos of kevuras hameis and chessed shel emes.

Rav Ruza’s expertise was particularly valued during sessions held at Kehillas Federation’s Beis Hachaim in Edgware. The usually quiet setting was invigorated by the large delegation, all attending with the goal of deepening their understanding of the halachos of kevurah and kovod hameis.

One of the key sessions in Edgware focused on the transport of niftorim to Eretz Yisroel, delivered by HaRav Shraga Feivel Zimmerman shlita. He explored how to rule on cases where a niftar is transported between countries, addressing complex shailos such as when to begin shiva and how to conduct oneself regarding the dinim of aninus. Moving from the core halachic principles to their practical application, Rav Zimmerman’s shiur equipped Rabbonim with vital guidance on these frequently encountered challenges.

A unique highlight of the seminar was a visit to the custom-built taharah room at the Beis Hachaim. Rav Ruza, whose life’s work has centred on kovod hameis, and Mr Yisroel Sanders, dedicated head of Kehillas Federation’s Chevra Kadisha, exchanged insights during a tour led by Kehillas Federation’s Rabbi Yisroel Moshe Guttentag. This interactive session proved invaluable, particularly for community Rabbonim who had travelled from across Europe to attend. It also provided essential information for the team preparing to conduct taharos in the new facility.

Back in the cemetery’s main hall, Rav Ruza, Rabbi Zimmerman, and Rav Schneebalg addressed complex shailos concerning hilchos aveilus in a concluding panel discussion.

Many participants expressed their appreciation for the rare opportunity to engage directly with world-renowned poskim and experts in their fields. The event enabled them to deepen their knowledge, share expertise, and discuss contemporary challenges in this vital area of communal life, all with the shared goal of upholding the highest standards of kovod hameis across kehillos in the UK and beyond.

Reflecting on the seminar’s impact, Kehillas Federation’s CEO, Rabbi Avi Lazarus, said:“We were delighted to host these important sessions and are so proud to have supported Rabbonim from across Europe in this way. We also greatly valued the opportunity to showcase the facilities at our new Beis Hachaim to local Rabbonim and kehilla members.”