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HOW TO ARRANGE A JEWISH FUNERAL

There are many details and choices to consider when making funeral arrangements. It is a very emotional and possibly, overwhelming time. The staff at Star of David is here to help you navigate the process and make it as easy for you as possible. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

When someone passes away, the process of obtaining the necessary documentation to handle the ultimate disposition of their remains begins. First, the appropriate physician must sign the death certificate. This is usually coordinated by the nursing administrator at the facility where death has occurred. If death occurs at home, it is our responsibility to secure the death certificate through either hospice or the physician that was caring for the decedent. Once signed, it becomes our responsibility to secure it and then transfer the deceased from place of passing to our funeral home.

We then must obtain from the family what are known as the “vital statistics” of the deceased. We record this information on to the death certificate. Once completed, we file it with the department of health or local registrar to obtain the permits required for the “final disposition” (burial or cremation). It is at this time that we can obtain however many certified copies of the certificate that you have requested.

Furnishing us with the vital statistics beforehand can be very helpful. Listed below is the information that you will be asked to provide:

  • The name of the deceased
  • Place of death (facility name and address)
  • Current legal residence including city, state and zip code
  • Date of birth
  • City and State of birth
  • Citizenship
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Marital Status (if married, their spouse’s maiden name)
  • Level of Education
  • Occupation (you can’t use retired-you can use homemaker if applicable)
  • Did they serve in the military? If so what years and branch of service?
  • Their father’s name & mother’s maiden name.
You will also need to provide us with any of the specific information regarding grave location in the cemetery that you have. Usually identifying a previous burial in an adjacent grave gives us and the cemetery a way to locate the proper grave to be used
Once the vital statistical information is provided, you’ll need to make some decisions on the specifics of the service:
  • The day and time you wish to have the service
  • The type of service: Either in our chapel, at another chapel, in a synagogue, or directly at the cemetery
  • The type of preparation you wish us to provide: washing and dressing by our licensed staff or reaching out to the Chevra Kadisha to perform Tahara and Shmira
  • Whether you wish us to dress the decedent in their own clothing or tachrichim (shroud)
  • Determining how many certified copies of the death certificate you”ll need us to get for you
  • If you have a rabbi available to conduct the service or will you need us to provide one?
  • Will you be needing us to provide a limousine for you or will you be driving your own car?
  • Which casket to choose?
    Whether you would like us to place a notice in the newspaper and what you want it to say
  • Where and when shiva will be observed?
  • If there is any place you would like contributions made to be sent in the decedent’s memory
  • Any special requests or needs that should be addressed

Once these choices are made, our staff will ensure that all of your requests are carried out precisely as you wish them to be.