Honoring Jewish Tradition

Sinai Chapels is a proudly independent Jewish funeral home, owned and operated for three generations by members of the Resnick family, dedicated to serving the Jewish Community. Sinai Chapels is a member of the two largest organizations of Jewish funeral directors, the Jewish Funeral Directors of America (JFDA), and Kavod — The Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels. We are committed to offering funeral services in keeping with Jewish Tradition.

Jewish funeral practices have their roots in the deepest history of Jewish tradition and culture. We believe that these traditions find expression through attitude and outlook, as well as knowledge and commitment. The traditional aspect of the Jewish funeral is guided by the respect we bring to the observances and rituals of our people.

From the time of death, through the preparation of the body, the prayers recited, the funeral service and the burial, we endeavor to help the mourning family reflect on the goodness and value of the life of their loved one, in addition to mourning a death.

In accordance with longstanding Jewish tradition and belief, we at Sinai Chapels have dedicated ourselves to helping every family get through this most difficult time in a compassionate, dignified and professional manner. As the family struggles to separate from a loved one, find direction to their grieving and ease back into everyday life through the rituals of mourning, we endeavor to affirm that we understand the precious gift that God has given to us in the life we commemorate.

What Is a Jewish Funeral?

Jewish law and tradition have endowed the funeral with profound religious significance. A Jewish funeral should in every respect express the dignity, sanctity and modesty of a solemn religious service.

There are two important principles in the Jewish faith regarding death and mourning. The first, k’vod ha-met, requires that the body be treated with the utmost of respect from the time of passing until burial is completed. The second is the idea that death is a natural process, a normal part of the life cycle. We do our best to comfort those in grief, and to help them honor these two principles.

Sinai Chapels is uniquely equipped to compassionately and professionally assist all Jewish families, from the most meticulously halachically observant to the totally secular. We specialize in assisting you in creating a service that includes the observances and rituals most appropriate to you and your loved one. Whatever the level of religious observance of your family, our family has devoted three generations to offering services that are ceremonially correct, appropriate to the family, and dignified in every detail. In all cases, we offer each family the opportunity to decide what degree of tradition is comfortable for them.

We believe that a funeral service should help communicate the story of the life that has been lived, as well as help the family begin to find some modicum of consolation. Your personal choices are very important to us. Our desire is to help you coordinate the most meaningful service possible for your loved one. Please feel free to discuss any special preferences you may have.

Whom Do I Call when Death Occurs?

If you are affiliated with a synagogue, your first two calls should be to the Synagogue or the Rabbi, to inform them of your loss, and to Sinai Chapels. Your rabbi will assist with arrangements, answer questions related to Jewish funeral practices and tradition, and provide overall support and guidance through the stress and grief related to a death. Sinai Chapels will guide you through the practical arrangements of transporting the deceased and scheduling and arranging an appropriate funeral service.

If you are unaffiliated, call Sinai Chapels. We will assist you in making the funeral arrangements and engaging a rabbi to officiate.

What if I belong to a “Society”?

Call Sinai Chapels first. We will coordinate all details with any burial society, landsmanschaft, organization or congregation of which you may be a member. We will secure all necessary permits and signatures, and make sure that you receive all benefits to which you are entitled.

Who Arranges the Funeral?

Decisions regarding the funeral should be made jointly with your rabbi and funeral director. Our staff handles all the details associated with the funeral whether the services are held in the chapel or at the graveside only. One phone call to our staff removes the burden of a family needing to make multiple detail-oriented calls. We coordinate with rabbis, Chevra Kadisha, cemeteries, burial societies or organizations, and all parties involved in preparing for a funeral.

When can I notify relatives and friends of the service time and location?

Details of the service should not be made public until both the rabbi and the funeral director confirm the time and place of the service.

Jewish Funeral Terms and Practices:

TAHARAH / PURIFICATION
The most important pre-burial ritual, cleansing and dressing of the deceased by members of the Chevra Kadisha, "The Sacred Society," according to Jewish law and custom. Men prepare men; only women wash and dress other women.

SHMEERAH / WATCHING
The watching over the deceased by a pious Jewish person, who recites Psalms for the soul of the deceased.  As a sign of respect, our tradition teaches that the deceased should not be left unattended until interment is completed.

TACHRICHIM / BURlAL GARMENTS
The traditional white linen suit of burial garments (cap, shirt, pants, etc.) symbolizing that all are equal before their Creator. They are modeled after the clothing of the High Priest worn in the Holy Temple on Yom Kippur.

ARON / CASKET
The wooden casket, in keeping with the Biblical teaching, "dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return."

K'REEAH / TEARING OF GARMENTS
The rending of the mourners' outer garments, a symbol of their anguish and grief.

K'VURAH / BURIAL
The actual burial in the ground; filling in the grave with earth until a mound is formed. To participate in the filling of the grave is a religious privilege and duty. Traditionally, Kaddish is not recited at an open grave.