Burial of the deceased is a mitzvah, a religious commandment, in Judaism. But increasing numbers of Jews are opting for cremation. Besides its religious implications, cremation presents significant environmental implications. 

Doron Kornbluth is a bestselling author. His books – including Why Be Jewish?, Raising Kids to LOVE Being Jewish, The Jewish Holiday Handbook, and Cremation or Burial? A Jewish View – have sold more than 100,000 copies. He is a sought-after speaker, traveling to scores of cities annually. Doron is also co-publisher of Mosaica Press, a contributor to The Jerusalem Post and Chabad.org, and a licensed tour guide in Israel, Poland and Eastern Europe. Doron lives in Jerusalem.

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Dr. Lianna Titcombe, founder of Claire Place Veterinary Hospice, is an author, speaker, educator, and mentor in the field of animal hospice and palliative care. She is past president of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. Dr. Lianna participates in volunteer missions to provide veterinary care to underserved communities worldwide. She has also been director of the Pet Loss Support Group of Ottawa, Canada.

In 2021, Dr. Lianna joined the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy as an instructor. In her spare time, she runs Li Li's Lounge and Patio Bar, a Caribbean-inspired community hub in Ottawa.

Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff served Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, New Jersey, for 36 years. He is the past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the largest rabbinic organization in the world, and has served as vice president for Special Projects of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Kroloff has authored several books, including Open Up Our Eyes: Moments that Shape Our Lives, Reform Judaism: A Jewish Way of Life, and When Elijah Knocks: A Religious Response to Homelessness. Rabbi Kroloff continues to write, teach, and swim. He and his wife, Dr. Terry Kroloff, have been married for 70 years.

Rabbi Adam Chalom is Dean of the North American chapter of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of Humanistic Rabbis, and is on the editorial board of Humanistic Judaism magazine. Rabbi Chalom is also co-editor of Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices. He has served Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation since 2004.

Jack Lauwasser, a lifelong Chicagoan, began volunteering for JourneyCare Hospice after the death of his son-in-law, Josh, who spent his final days there. Jack is recently retired from the paint business. He  serves as chair of the Religious Services Committee of Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, the synagogue where he and his wife Jackie married in 2019.

Special Note: Sammy Weill, the editor and creative director of Unveiling Death, is heading to college! We've produced more than 30 episodes together, and I couldn't possibly have launched this podcast without him. I am so proud of you, Sammy.

Another Note: For the time being, Unveiling Death will now be released monthly.

Steven Stoehr has served as cantor of Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois, since 1988. He is past president of the Cantors Assembly. Cantor Stoehr is primary author of A Minyan of Comfort, a guidebook for conducting services at shiva houses. He has also established a chevra kaddisha, which prepares bodies for Jewish burial. Cantor Stoehr has established a choir for adults with special needs called Selah, and he volunteers to lead Friday Shabbat services at a memory care facility. 

Eric Fusfield has served as Deputy Director of the B’nai B’rith International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy since 2007 and as Director of Legislative Affairs since 2003.  Eric, an attorney and rabbi, has represented the agency before Congress, the Executive branch, and foreign governments. He also serves on the Virginia Commission to Combat Anti-Semitism. 

Eric and I were students together at the Washington College of Law at American University.

Please reach out to me at [email protected]. And please follow Unveiling Death. 

I offered the following sermon during services for Shavuot, the holiday that celebrates the giving of Torah at Mt Sinai. Shavuot is one of four times during the year that Jews recite Yizkor, prayers of remembrance for loved ones who have died. This sermon considers the complicated lives of ancient Israel's second and third kings, David and Solomon. Both sinned, both struggled, both were close to God. 

Thank you to the talented Sammy Weill, Unveiling Death's editor and creative director (and my son). 

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Emily B. Miller is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and founder of Colorado’s first environmental cemetery, the Colorado Burial Preserve. Emily was working as a funeral home manager when she perceived a need for a different type of cemetery, one with a native habitat mission. Emily also advocates for a greener funeral industry through education and outreach. As a board member of the Green Burial Council, she assists funeral homes through the green burial certification process. Check out these links: 

www.coloradoburialpreserve.com

www.greenburialcouncil.org

Elline Eliasoff is a gerontologist and clinical exercise physiologist with decades of experience in aging care. Elline began her career in the Veterans Administration and then launched Elite Rehabilitation and Care Management, her own sub-acute care practice. She has a masters in gerontology and a certificate in patient advocacy. Elline is a certified care manager. Check out her website: ellineeliasoff.com.