FUNERALS & STONE DEDICATIONS
“Life is a journey, a sacred pilgrimage, made stage-by-stage from birth to death to life everlasting.”
(Rabbi Alvin Fine)
Whether expected or not, the passing of a loved one is filled with grief. In these moments, finding words to express the varied array of emotions that often accompany death (sadness, relief, despair, anger, joy, etc.) is not only difficult, it may feel impossible.
At such moments, the spiritual wisdom and guidance from those who came before us can be helpful. Their words initiate a process of discovery, whereby we eventually find our own words to express our feelings and name our needs. Doing so provides ourselves some agency in our experience and is the first step on the road of healing and wholeness.
From the time of dying, throughout the subsequent burial preparations and funeral, and into the ongoing grieving process, KEIRUV expresses a sincere intention to be beside you, offering our compassionate ears, our supportive embrace, our guiding hands, our loving hearts. In this time of vulnerability, you are not alone.
Whether your selected funeral home is “Jewish” or not, we can work with them to ensure your wishes to honor your loved one within a Jewish context are fulfilled. From tahara (purification preparations) to k'riah (rending the fabric pins), from a hesped (eulogy) to the recitation of poems, psalms and payers, to the final placement of dirt upon the grave… we can be an additional advocate for you.
Our support of you and your family does not have to end at the funeral. If desired, we can assist you with the shiva (initial, typically, 7-day period of mourning at the home) as well as preparation and service for the hakamat matzeivah (stone dedication, typically done eleven to twelve months after burial). Please let us know how we can be of support to you.
FEE: None (except expense reimbursement). However, KEIRUV will ask you for a “Pay-It-Forward” Donation to help other families, couples, individuals in need. To find out more, visit our DONATE page or connect with us via our CONTACT page. Thank you!
TESTIMONIALS
"KEIRUV, thank you so much for being there for my family and I during one of the most difficult times in our lives. Rabbi Klaven’s beautiful ability to provide compassionate guidance, support, and even laughter made all the difference. Once again, you positively impacted not only our lives but the many people who were grieving alongside us. You are a blessing in our lives, and we send our sincere appreciation with love." (J.Y.)
“We reached out to so many rabbis after our father died to see if they would officiate a funeral that was interfaith, as our father was Jewish and we are not. All said they were unable. Connecting with you was our last try, our last hope, and we are so grateful we did. THANK YOU.” (S.C.)
“Losing our mother ranks among life’s hardest experiences. Your gentle support got us through it, when we didn’t think we would. And, the service you provided reflected perfectly both our heartbreak and our gratitude. We so appreciate you and everything you did.” (N.V.)
"We did not know what to expect, but we hoped beyond hope that in spite of the last-minute notice, despite us not being Jewish, merely strong believers in the Old Testament, that we would find a rabbi to oversee mom’s funeral. We found a rabbi and so much more in you…. thank you!!! Thank you so much for your kind words and most of all your wonderful service. I know it’s exactly what mom would’ve wanted. Afterwards, all the family shared how comforted we felt in this moment of heartbreak. We appreciate you more than our words can say." (J.W.A)
"Thank you for your help before and after Dad’s death. I feel, and mom agrees, that you were God’s blessing to us during this difficult time, a light in our darkness, a support in our sorrow. Don’t know if we would have made it through without you. Again, thank you." (R.S.)