Lifecycle Events
Celebrating life together
From the joy of new beginnings to the comfort of shared remembrance, Tikvah Chadasha is here to support you through life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you’re welcoming a child, planning a wedding, preparing for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or saying goodbye to a loved one, our community is with you every step of the way.
Weddings
Under the Chuppah – With Love and Tradition
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lively celebration, we’re here to help you mark your union with meaning and joy. We welcome couples of all backgrounds, including interfaith partnerships, and work with you to craft a wedding that reflects your values and heritage.
Baby Blessings
Welcoming new life into the community
There’s nothing quite like the joy of welcoming a baby. Our baby blessings are tailored to each family – whether it’s your first child or you’re continuing a cherished family tradition.
B’Nei Mitzvah
Growing in faith and confidence
Becoming B’Nei Mitzvah (Bar or Bat Mitzvah) is a proud and powerful moment. Our programme supports children (and parents!) through learning, preparation, and celebration. We welcome all young people, encouraging them to explore Judaism in a way that is meaningful and fun.
Funerals & Bereavement
Honouring Life with Dignity and Care
In times of loss, we are here to provide comfort and guidance. Tikvah Chadasha is a member of the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS), which offers dignified burial or cremation services for members. We honour both tradition and the individual wishes of each family.
Cremation
If you wish to opt for cremation, there is an additional single payment of £170.00 per person. This covers doctors’ papers required for cremation and 2 pall bearers, if used. Generally, these days, pall bearers are not used due to Health and Safety regulations. The deceased is wheeled into the prayer hall on a bier as is the case with a regular burial. Cremations are generally held at Forest Crematorium in Hainault, however family members of the deceased may opt for a different crematorium should they wish to. Our membership covers a very wide area and we appreciate that some people will prefer a more local crematorium.
(Woodland) burial at Cheshunt Jewish Cemetery.
Please note that by default, burial at Cheshunt is ‘in depth’. Should side by side be required this can be arranged, burial with a non Jewish partner / spouse is only offered in depth. Woodland burial requires and additional payment; current cost at application. The payments are set by the JJBS and change from time to time. However, the charge for Woodland burial can be made in advance should you wish to ‘future proof’ the fees. Charges are made by JJBS and are beyond the control of the Shul.
Should Woodland burial be opted for, a traditional stone can not be erected. However, a marker is provided as required by UK law. The marker, states who is buried in the plot. Should the family wish, the maker can be replaced by a stone plaque no larger than 30cm wide or high. As within the traditional cemetery, only authorised stone masons are permitted on the grounds. A list of stonemasons is available either from the Shul or from the JJBS.
Burial
All members must have paid into the scheme for 6 months to be eligible for burial rights with Tikvah Chadasha. In the unlikely event of a member passing away before the year, the funeral expenses part of their subscription will be returned to the family. However, we take a compassionate and flexible approach and each case would be treated on its own merits.
Should someone wish to join the burial scheme over the age of 50, there would be an overage entry fee. These begin very low, increasing with age. Supplements are set by JJBS and are paid to them either directly or via the Shul. If an entry fee has been paid cover is immediate.
All funeral cover is provided by The Joint Jewish Burial Society (JJBS). Tahara (Ritual washing upon death) is included by default. It should be noted that some Non Orthodox organisations make an additional charge for Tahara.
Shiva Chairs and books are available on request.
Mixed Faith Relationships
All forms of membership are open to those in mixed faith relationships. The non Jewish partner will be covered for full burial at Cheshunt Jewish Cemetery.
Should clarification be required, please contact the Shul office on 01277 888610 or 07526-989875.
In the event of a death, please contact the Shul Office on 01277-888610 or Burial Officer on 07526-989875 (Louis) / 07526-989875 (Janice/Natasha)
The Sexton at the Joint Jewish burial society can also be contacted on 0208 989 5252.
Prosylyte Membership (No Funeral Rights)
No charge for conversion classes is made by the Shul, however, we do require proselytes to join the Shul. Membership without burial at the standard rate of £17 per month. Should someone fall into YP1 or YP2 category, membership rates would be as listed below, less the £5 per month funeral fees per member. This fee is ONLY applicable should an individual wish to convert. Those in a relationship will be covered for burial with their partner / spouse and thus be required to pay full membership rates dependent upon the category in which they fall.