Guides
Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist
Use this funeral pre planning checklist to gather your wishes and documents at your own pace, then bring it to us. There is no obligation to prepay.
Reviewed by Joyce E. Torchinsky, funeral director.
How to Use This Checklist
- Fill in what you know; leave the rest for later.
- Share a copy with your family.
- Bring it to your pre-planning conversation with us.
- Planning ahead does not mean paying ahead.
Personal Details
- Full legal name
- Hebrew name
- Parents’ Hebrew names
- Social Security number
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Military discharge papers, if any
Your Jewish Funeral Wishes
- Cemetery and plot, or the cemetery you would like
- Synagogue and rabbi
- Taharah and shmirah wishes
- Casket: plain wood, finished, or unfinished
- Any wish for burial in Israel or in another state
- Where the service should be held: chapel, synagogue, or graveside
Learn about taharah and shmirah, kosher caskets, and burial in Israel.
Documents and Accounts Your Family Will Need
- Where your will is kept
- Life insurance policies
- Bank, brokerage and retirement accounts
- Pension and benefits information
- Car titles and powers of attorney
Keep this list somewhere your family can find it.
From Checklist to Plan
Three simple steps.
1
Fill in the Checklist
At your own pace, with your family if you like. You do not need every answer right away.
2
Meet with Us
We sit down with you, talk through your wishes, and record them together.
3
Keep It on File
Your plan stays on file with us, and you can update it any time your wishes change.
Print the Checklist
Download a printable version of this checklist to fill in by hand.
- (202) 541-1001, answered any hour, including Shabbat
- 254 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
- info@torchinsky.com
Planning Is Not Paying
You can record your wishes without paying anything. Prepaying is optional; if you choose to prepay, your funds are held in trust or escrow as state law requires.
Reviewed by Joyce E. Torchinsky
Joyce E. Torchinsky is the owner and a funeral director of Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home, with more than 30 years in funeral service. She taught mortuary science and directed the Mortuary Science Program at CCBC Catonsville. She reviews our guides so that the checklist covers what Jewish families need. Every family’s practice differs, so follow your rabbi’s guidance where it differs from ours. Joyce E.
Funeral Planning Checklist Questions
Start with this checklist, then meet with us to record your wishes. You can plan without paying anything in advance.
Your personal details and Hebrew names, your burial and religious wishes, and where your documents and accounts are kept.
Avoid feeling pressured to prepay. Planning only is welcome, and you can update your plan whenever your wishes change.
Keep a copy at home where your family can find it, and we keep your plan on file.
We Are Here When You Need Us
Bring your checklist when you are ready, or call with questions any hour, including Shabbat.