Our Services
Jewish Memorial Services
A Jewish memorial service brings family and friends together to remember someone they love, at our chapel or another place that matters to your family, when the burial has already taken place somewhere else or when loved ones could not be there for the funeral.
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)
When Families Hold a Jewish Memorial Service
Some families hold a memorial service after the burial has taken place far away, in Israel or another state, so the community here can gather. Others hold one when relatives and friends could not attend the funeral, whether because of distance, health, or timing around holidays.
Some families choose a memorial service after a cremation. We serve every family with the same care and respect, regardless of the choices they have made. You can read about cremation and Jewish tradition, burial in Israel, and out-of-state burial transfers.
How to Plan a Jewish Memorial Service
There is no single way a memorial service has to look. We will help you shape it around your family.
1
Call Us
Tell us what you have in mind and when your family can gather. There is no rush on timing, and we can work around travel schedules and holidays.
2
Choose the Place and Time
Our chapel is available, or we can help arrange a service at a synagogue, a community space, or another place that feels right for your family.
3
Choose an Officiant
Your rabbi, cantor, or a religious or non-religious officiant we help you find. Some families ask several people to speak.
4
We Handle the Rest
We take care of the setup, coordinate photo displays, arrange seating, and make sure everything the day needs is in place.
What a Jewish Memorial Service Includes
A memorial service follows many of the same elements as a funeral. There are usually prayers and Psalms, eulogies from family and friends, and time to share memories. Families often set out photographs or put together a display of things that mattered to the person they lost. The Mourner’s Kaddish may be said if a minyan is present.
Because there is no burial that day, the service can be shaped around your family. Some families hold a short, quiet gathering at our chapel. Others arrange a longer service at a synagogue with music and multiple speakers. You can also combine a memorial service with an unveiling later on, once the monument or marker has been placed.
Why Families Choose Torchinsky
- 98% superior ratingWashington Consumers’ Checkbook raters
- 30+ years in funeral serviceJoyce E. Torchinsky
Jewish Memorial Service Questions
Prayers and Psalms, eulogies, and time for family and friends to share memories, often with photographs or a display. The Mourner’s Kaddish may be said when a minyan is present. There is no casket or burial at a memorial service.
Most families simply call it a memorial service. It is different from Yizkor, the memorial prayers said in synagogue on Yom Kippur and the festivals, and it is different from an unveiling, which takes place at the cemetery about a year after the burial.
Dress modestly in dark or neutral colors, as you would for a funeral. Men should bring a kippah or expect one to be provided at the door.
Yes. Many families choose to hold a memorial at their synagogue, especially when the congregation knew the person well. We coordinate with the synagogue and handle the logistics so your family can focus on the day itself.
Yes. Many families hold a memorial service here after a burial in Israel, so the community can gather and remember together. We can plan the service around your family’s travel and schedule.
Related Services
We Are Here When You Are Ready
Call (202) 541-1001, any hour, including Shabbat, or send us a message. We will help you plan a memorial that fits your family.
- (202) 541-1001, answered any hour, including Shabbat
- 254 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
- info@torchinsky.com
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