After a funeral, grieving family members often ask us, "What happens next? Here's what happens after a funeral.
Let's be honest here; the degree to which your grief dis-empowers you, as well as the amount of flotsam and jetsam (let's just call it "paperwork") you will have to deal with both depend on the relationship you shared with the deceased. If you are the surviving spouse, a daughter or son, or have been declared as the designated executor, the responsibilities you have over the death paperwork will be much more extensive than if you were merely a loving niece, nephew or friend.
Here is a checklist of the tasks you may be facing in the coming weeks:
We've had the privilege of serving many families over the years, and during that time we've found that the time after the funeral is different for everyone involved. If we can be of assistance to you during this challenging time of change and adjustment, simply pick up the phone and call us at 518 438-1002 We'll do our very best to support you,
Levine Memorial Chapel's experienced, compassionate staff is here to provide personalized funeral services to the Capital District community and surrounding area families. We provide guidance to those who have lost a loved one, or to those assisting with final funeral arrangements. We arrange each funeral to ensure that every service detail and family need is meticulously met.
We are able to accommodate a wide range of funeral choices, and serve the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish families. We will help guide and explain to family members all Jewish burial customs. We will arrange for a Tahara (ritual washing) by the Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society) or a Shomer (watcher) at the families request. We will assist you and coordinate in securing a rabbi, filing the appropriate paperwork, and handling Social Security information. Levine Memorial Chapel will help you with every detail through the process.
Detailed on the website are the most common services we provide. If you have special requests, please do not hesitate to ask. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (518) 438-1002, or toll free at 1-800-427-0280.
Depending on a congregation policy, a service may be held in the temple or synagogue. Families that are not affiliated with a synagogue may choose to have a service in the chapel of the funeral home or a graveside service at the cemetery.
Graveside services are held exclusively at the graveside at the cemetery. Friends and family meet at the cemetery, usually a half-hour before the appointed service time. A service at the grave includes all the same elements as those held at the synagogue/temple or the funeral home. A graveside service is no less dignified than any other service location.
Families prefer the convenience of the graveside service. Funeral processions through public streets are eliminated. The time spent at the graveside for the service is not rushed and therefore allows more opportunity for reflection and meditation. Families should also keep in mind the potential for inclement weather. We offer the option for a tent or canopy and can make those arrangements for each family. Levine Memorial Chapel has found graveside services to become more commonly used when serving the families of the Capital District and surrounding areas.
Many families feel that a funeral service at the temple/synagogue is very personal and comforting for their family. This is a spiritual home where many joyous and meaningful life cycle events have taken place. Depending on the congregation’s policy, a funeral may be held in the temple/synagogue for a member or a close relative. For families with no congregational affiliation, a funeral can be held in the funeral home chapel.
A memorial service is normally performed without the deceased present. This is done after a private burial ceremony, in cases of cremation, or if the person died or was interred in another location. A memorial service may be held in the synagogue/temple, at the funeral home, or at a private residence.
Levine Memorial Chapel will accommodate families that choose cremation. With this option, there are many alternatives available to you. Our hope is to allow you to take a more personal role in designing a unique and individual tribute to your loved one. Most families appreciate an opportunity to say goodbye to loved ones and to receive condolences and support from family and friends. A service is sometimes held before interment or the cremation process. We will help design a tribute that is personalized for your family and friends. The service can be small or large, private or public, and with any type of officiant (rabbi or someone else chosen by the family). Families should consider:
If the cremation option is chosen by the family, the cremated remains will be returned to the family in the final container (urn) you select. The urn protects the remains and is designed to be a permanent container or temporary holder before scattering or burial. A complete selection of urns are available from which to chose.
When someone passes away out of state or even out of the country, we recommend calling Levine Memorial Chapel first. We have found that it is more cost effective for the family if you contact one funeral home. We can carry out all of the details with our out of state affiliates and representatives. This will translate into substantial savings to the family. We can also handle arrangements for burial in Israel.