Funeral Practices
The support of a community in the aftermath of a death can be invaluable. Just as we stand by each other in times of joy, we also provide support in times of sorrow. Members of the Tifereth Israel community's Funeral Practices Committee are always available when a death occurs. Day or night, our chaverim (volunteers) are on call to provide counsel and to help arrange funerals for members and their dependents.
What To Do in Case of Death
• Call the synagogue or a chaver before contacting a funeral home.
• During normal office hours, call the synagogue at 202-882-1605. A staff member will contact the Rabbi and one of the chaverim.
• During evenings and weekends, call one of the chaverim:
Shelly Heller
301-996-2704 (Cell)
301-944-5906 (Work)
Bruce Heppen
301-299-3255 (Home)
202-997-1890 (Cell)
703-417-8983 (Work)
Marcia Goggin
301-792-1063 (Cell)
Funerals at TI
All funerals conducted at TI use the services of the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring, under its contract with the Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington. This contract provides for a low-cost funeral fully consistent with halachah (Jewish religious law).
The assigned chaver will work with the family to make all funeral and burial arrangements, coordinating with the funeral home and cemetery as needed. This relieves the family of burdensome financial and logistical details at a time of great emotional stress. The family will not be billed for any costs until 30 days after burial.
Members may use the services of another funeral home, but please note:
- They must make their own funeral arrangements
- They will not receive the services of TI chaverim
- The funeral may not be able to be held at Tifereth Israel
- The Rabbi may not be available to conduct the funeral/burial services
Cemetery Information
TI works with two cemeteries, Mt. Lebanon and Elesavetgrad. We have members buried in both places, but currently only bury in Mt. Lebanon.
Helpful Documents
When Death Occurs: A Guide to Jewish Funerals, Burials, and Mourning Practices at TI (Download)
This document gives full details on the role of chaverim, the contract funeral package, and traditional Jewish practices governing death, funerals, burial, and mourning.
Information Needed at the Time of Death (Download)
This is a form that must be completed. Please print it out, give a copy to your family for safe keeping, and email a copy to TI's Executive Director so that all of the necessary information will be easily accessible
FAQ About Jewish Funeral Practices (Download)
