About Us
A Word From Joyce Torchinsky
Joyce E. Torchinsky founded Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home and still guides families herself. Her promise is simple: you will not face this alone.
Why I Do This Work
My family has been rooted in the Washington area for over 100 years, and we have always been connected to Washington’s Jewish community. When I founded Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home in 2001, I sought rabbinic guidance on how to run it according to Jewish law. I did not do it for any business advantage. I wanted to do things right, out of my own respect for Jewish law and tradition, and I continue to seek that guidance today.
When someone you love dies, I want you to know that we will take care of everything. You should not have to worry about the paperwork, the cemetery, or whether a custom is being followed correctly. My staff and I carry those obligations for you, so you can be with your family.
Grief does not end at the cemetery. For many people it arrives during shiva, when the house is full and then suddenly quiet. We stay in touch, and we are here when you need us.
After all, my real guidance has always been that you are all my family.
Joyce E. Torchinsky, M.S.Ed.
How I Work With Your Family
My staff and I guide each family ourselves, from the first phone call to the burial and beyond. We explain each tradition in plain words, without pressure, and we follow your family’s practice, whether you are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or unaffiliated.
We coordinate with your rabbi, the cemetery and the Chevra Kadisha of Greater Washington, so every part of the funeral is arranged correctly. You can meet the people who will care for you on our team page.
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About Joyce
Joyce has worked in funeral service since 1991 and is a licensed funeral director in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She taught mortuary science for 12 years and directed the Mortuary Science Program at CCBC Catonsville, teaching chemistry, anatomy, small business management and thanatology. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.S. in Education at Johns Hopkins University.
Joyce served as President of KAVOD: The Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels from 2013 to 2017, and she has given educational presentations and funeral home tours to groups from preschool to adult. Learn about our community and affiliations.
Trusted by Families
- 98% superior ratingWashington Consumers’ Checkbook raters
- KAVOD past President2013 to 2017
- Chevra Kadisha of Greater WashingtonListed among funeral homes that support a taharah
Questions About Joyce
Joyce E. Torchinsky is the founder and owner of Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home and a licensed funeral director. Before founding the funeral home in 2001, she taught mortuary science and directed the program at CCBC Catonsville.
Joyce and her staff guide families personally. When you call, you will speak with someone who knows Jewish tradition and will stay with you through the funeral.
Torchinsky is independent and owned by Joyce, not part of a national chain. Joey Torchinsky is part of the team that serves families, alongside Joyce and her staff.
Out of respect for Jewish law and care for Washington’s Jewish community. Joyce wanted a funeral home run correctly according to tradition, where every family is treated like her own.
Call Me of My Staff at Any Hour
We answer at (202) 541-1001 any hour, including Shabbat. If you would like to plan ahead, we can help with that too.