AJBBS

What is the B&B?

The Auckland Jewish Burial and Benevolent Society (AJBBS or B&B) is an incorporated society and a registered charity serving the progressive Jewish community of greater Auckland. We are affiliated with Beth Shalom, the Auckland Progressive Jewish Congregation, however we are separate organisations with our own elected management committees and membership bases. We are a volunteer-lead organisation, providing support to our members and the wider Jewish community during times of need. We provide support in arranging burial services and care of deceased loved ones.

We are also able to provide benevolence support at times of acute financial need to members of the community, on a case by case basis.

Membership of the B&B

For additional information about membership of the AJBBS, click here: membership information.

Support for burial

We aim to provide a thoughtful and compassionate progressive Jewish approach when a loved one dies. We work with families to ensure that their loved ones are treated with the utmost respect and receive appropriate Jewish after-death care.

What is Jewish After-Death Care?

Death is an integral part of life in Jewish thought. For centuries we have taken great pains to ensure that our meitin (deceased) are treated with honour and respect – kavod. True to that tradition, the B&B is available to provide care of the body, including ritual washing – tahara -and dressing in the traditional white burial robes – tachrichim. The meitim are placed in a simple wooden coffin which is closed by those performing the taharah ritual. This process is guided by progressive Jewish practice and the historical traditions of our people.

Funeral services can also be offered for either burial or cremation in our designated cemetery. We work in coordination with the Rabbi at Beth Shalom to ensure that the funeral meets your requirements.
Davis Funeral Home in Auckland is our preferred funeral director as they provide taharah facilities.

We can assist in providing a prayer service during the first seven days after the funeral. Shiva minyanim can be a meaningful way for families to move through their mourning process surrounded by family, friends, and community. These services are typically led by members of our B&B community.

What is benevolence?

Jewish tradition tells us that it is a mitzvah to take care of those who are struggling. The B&B is available to its members and members of the Jewish community in times of financial hardship. It is a long-practiced act to provide tzedakah to those in need. We are able to make grants to individuals on a case-by-case basis. This process is completely confidential and only our executive committee members ever know who the recipients of the benevolence are.

We accept applications from individuals in need, or those in their immediate circle.

Who are we?

We are volunteer members of the progressive Jewish community of greater Auckland. We are retired, working, and unwaged. Men and women. Doctors, nurses, and teachers. We reflect the community we serve. If you think that you might be interested in serving the Jewish community in this way, please reach out to us!

For further question about our services and procedures, please reach out to secretary@ajbbs.org.nz.

For more information about membership, click here: membership information.

To express interest in becoming a member, click here: membership enquiry.