Our Services
Jewish Graveside Services
A Jewish graveside service is a complete, traditional funeral held at the cemetery. We arrange every detail, any hour, including Shabbat.
98% of Washington Consumers’ Checkbook raters gave Torchinsky a superior overall rating.
Why Families Call Torchinsky
- Available 24/7, including Shabbat
- Every denomination, Orthodox to unaffiliated
- Taharah with the Chevra Kadisha
- Guided by Halacha (Jewish law)
A Simple, Traditional Farewell at the Grave
Many families choose a graveside service because it is intimate and direct. The entire funeral takes place at the cemetery, from the procession to the burial, which also fits the Jewish tradition of burying as soon as possible.
We serve Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and unaffiliated families. Your rabbi leads the service, or we can help you find a religious or non-religious officiant. If you would prefer a service at a chapel or synagogue first, see our traditional Jewish funerals.
What Happens at a Graveside Service
You don’t need to memorize any of this. Here is the general order, and your rabbi will guide you through each part.
1
The Procession
Family and friends accompany the casket to the grave, often pausing several times while Psalm 91 is recited.
2
Kriah
If it was not done earlier, the closest relatives tear a garment or black ribbon as a sign of grief.
3
Eulogy and Prayers
The rabbi or family members speak, Kel Maley Rachamim is chanted, and the casket is lowered.
4
Filling the Grave
Family and friends may help shovel earth onto the casket. The first shovelful is placed with the shovel turned upside down, a way of showing hesitation to say goodbye. Taking part is always voluntary.
5
Kaddish
The mourners recite the burial Kaddish.
6
Words of Comfort
Those present form two lines and the mourners walk between them. Everyone washes their hands before entering the shiva house.
Arrange a Graveside Service
Call us any hour. We will take care of every detail.
Cemeteries We Serve
We arrange graveside services at Jewish cemeteries across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including Garden of Remembrance in Clarksburg, which lists Torchinsky among its funeral homes. We can also arrange burial at Arlington National Cemetery. See Jewish cemeteries in Greater Washington for directions.
Why Families Choose Torchinsky
- 98% superior ratingWashington Consumers’ Checkbook raters
- Chevra Kadisha of Greater WashingtonListed among funeral homes that support a taharah
- 30+ years in funeral serviceJoyce E. Torchinsky
Graveside Service Questions
The procession to the grave with Psalms, kriah if not done earlier, a eulogy and Kel Maley Rachamim, the lowering of the casket, family and friends placing earth, the burial Kaddish, and two lines of comfort for the mourners.
A graveside service is usually brief. The length depends on the number of eulogies and how many people help fill the grave. We will give you a timeline when we plan it together.
A common phrase is “May their memory be a blessing.” To mourners, many people simply offer their condolences, or use a traditional Hebrew phrase of comfort. Your rabbi can share your community’s custom.
A rabbi usually leads the service. If your family does not have one, we can help you find a rabbi or a non-religious officiant.
Related Services and Guides
- Kaddish and Jewish prayers The Mourner’s Kaddish and El Malei Rachamim
- All services Every service we offer
- Traditional Jewish funerals Chapel and synagogue services
We Are Here Now
If a death has occurred, call (202) 541-1001 now, any hour, including Shabbat. For questions that can wait, send us a message.
- (202) 541-1001, answered any hour, including Shabbat
- 254 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
- info@torchinsky.com
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