How do we, as Jews, approach death and dying rituals in our lives? The Chevra Kadisha, our Burial Society, is offering a series of 5 films focusing on issues concerning death, dying, and mourning practices. Please join us to watch films focusing on issues concerning death, dying, and mourning practices. We have selected what we think are interesting, provocative and entertaining films that invite reflection. After each film there will be time for community discussion. This will be an engaging way for us to learn from each other, talk about this life cycle, build community and enjoy different films together.
Join us for our second film in this series as we watch Departures, released in 2008 by Japanese director Yojiro Takita with English subtitles. While this movie does not have specific Jewish content, there is an overlap and commonality with ritual and tradition in our belief system.
Daigo Kobayashi is a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has been dissolved and now finds himself without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled “Departures” thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a “Nokanshi” or “encoffineer,” a funeral professional who prepares the deceased for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. This poignant film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living.
The remaining films will be offerings are on Sun., August 25, Sun., September 22 and Sun., October 27 with additional film screenings to be announced at a later time.
Event sponsored by Kehilla’s Chevra Kadisha
For more information please email ckfilms@kehillasynagogue.org
LOCATION: In the Sanctuary @ Kehilla
For in-person attendance, please adhere to the COVID Public Health Protocols:
Please read the full Kehilla COVID Public Health Protocols here (updated January 1, 2024).
- Anyone experiencing ANY symptoms of potentially contagious illness should remain at home and access Kehilla events virtually.
- All people over the age of four attending in-person Kehilla events or services are expected to be masked indoors when not eating: N95, KN95, KF94 or comparable masks required.
- In keeping with our health and safety protocols, Kehilla will provide maximum air filtration and ventilation. Doors and windows will be opened whenever possible.
See a more detailed accessibility description of Kehilla on our website here.
All events at Kehilla are scent-free. Click here for information about what it means to be scent-free.