Funerals & Memorials

FUNERALS & MEMORIALS

At such a terribly difficult time as the death of a beloved person, Jewish tradition offers a framework of comfort and support that is wise and practical. Over centuries, our Sages have carefully created rituals that both deeply honor the person who has died and offer loving support for the grieving and healing process of the living.

Within this framework, there is also quite a bit of flexibility for creating the kind of service that is most fitting for each family. For some, that will mean full observance of all the steps and rituals, including tahara, a graveside service, the “meal of comfort”, shiva, shaloshim, the stone setting, or “unveiling” ceremony, and of course, yartzheit and yizkor remembrances. For other families, a simple memorial service and private burial may feel more appropriate.

Along with being available to officiate (or co-officiate) at funerals, memorials and shiva minyans, I can guide you through all the various rituals – their finer points and also their significance – and help you reach the decisions, both practical and emotional/spiritual, that will feel most appropriate. When time and distance allow, I like to meet with families in person in order to plan; meeting by phone and Skype also work fine.

I am also trained in grief counseling, and can offer help and support as you find your way through this difficult terrain to healing and to life.

Due to the private and individualized needs of families at a time of loss, I refrain from listing a “standardized” honorarium on a public website. Rather, please feel free to call or email me to discuss this, or any other aspect of a Jewish funeral or memorial service. I welcome interfaith families and can also help you integrate needs that arise from the interfaith perspective.