Kavod v'Nichum
and the
Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington
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Jewish Funerals, Burial, and Mourning |
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Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington |
| The Jewish Funeral Practices
Committee of Greater Washington came into existence in 1976 to
take Jewish funerals out of ordinary commerce and restore them
to a sacred and meaningful mitzvah performed by congregations
and other religious communities. (See
The Jewish
Approach) In the Washington Area, Tifereth Israel
Congregation pioneered the concept and their committee began
educating and training others. The Funeral Practices Committee now includes some 46 congregations, chavurot, and societies, including the entire spectrum of religious Jewry. It promotes funeral practices which are considered Jewish law for Conservative and Orthodox Jews, and which reflect Jewish values regardless of denomination, for Reform, Reconstructionist, and independent communities. The committee also helps congregations protect the bereaved from commercial exploitation. We operate entirely with volunteers. Our expenses are defrayed by $100 annual dues paid by member congregations. We don’t throw anyone out, but 90% pay their dues. Committee members stand ready to help congregations to organize hevrai kadishot or bereavement committees, supply materials that they can use such as information sheets and questionnaires, and help them to educate their congregations.The key has been the active participation of congregation members. Funeral committees, by one name or another, make themselves immediately available to visit and counsel the bereaved, obtain the needed information, and arrange and manage the funeral and burial. The bereaved family does not have to do business directly with a funeral director. Many congregations have committees to provide tahara (ritual washing) and shomrim (watchers) before the funeral. Most congregations arrange a meal of condolence after the funeral, and many arrange shiva at the family home so that friends and relative can express their sympathy properly. The JFPCGW has contracts with Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring MD (301-622-2290) with Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria VA (703-971-7400). These funeral homes will provide the professional services for a complete funeral for $1,710 (Hines-Rinaldi) and $2,995 (Jefferson), including the casket and, if desired, its funeral chapels. (Many congregations use their own sanctuaries.) Typically about 200 funerals are done under the terms of our contracts each year. Our contracts also have the effect of creating price competition and keeping the prices charged the Jewish community by other funeral homes in our area lower than they would otherwise be. The committee has biennial plenary meetings. Between those meetings, the committee’s work is done by a 15 member working board of directors. Volunteers need not be nominated by their congregation. For historical purposes, you can view previous JFPCGW contracts.
For more information about the JFPCGW, contact: Bob Hausman
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