Our Services
Burial in Israel
For burial in Israel, we arrange every step on this side, from the taharah and paperwork to the flight, and we coordinate with the burial society in Israel.
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)
Bringing a Loved One to Israel for Burial
For many Jewish families, burial in Israel is a deeply held wish. It is a return to the Holy Land, and Jewish tradition considers it a great merit.
Burial in Israel brings together four things: a burial plot, preparation of your loved one here, the flight, and the burial itself. The burial society tied to the cemetery in Israel usually meets the casket at the airport and conducts the burial.
Many families hold a funeral service here first, at our chapel or their synagogue, so the community can say goodbye before the flight. For transfers within the United States, see out-of-state burial transfers.
How Burial in Israel Works
Here is what happens, and who handles each part.
1
The Plot and Burial Society
Your family secures a plot in Israel, either directly from a cemetery or through an organization. The burial society for that cemetery will receive your loved one when the flight arrives.
2
Taharah Here
We arrange the taharah with the Chevra Kadisha of Greater Washington before the journey, so your loved one is prepared according to tradition before leaving.
3
Paperwork
We handle the death certificates, the Israeli consulate’s authorization, and passport paperwork. These documents must be in order before the flight can be scheduled.
4
The Flight
We arrange air cargo with El Al and bring your loved one to the airport. Only certain aircraft carry remains, and space is limited, so we coordinate this as early as possible.
5
Burial in Israel
The burial society meets the flight and conducts the burial at the cemetery according to local custom.
Call Us to Begin
Call any hour, including Shabbat. We will explain each step and the timing.
What to Decide for Burial in Israel
These are decisions that come up early, and it helps to think them through before the first call. If you already have answers, we can move faster. If not, we will walk through each one with you.
- Which cemetery and plot in Israel, such as in Jerusalem or Beit Shemesh, and whether a plot is already owned
- Whether to hold a funeral service here before the flight, so the community can gather and say goodbye
- Who from the family will travel to Israel for the burial
- Documents the cemetery may ask for, such as confirmation of Jewish status
If you are not sure where to start with a plot, call us and we will help you understand the options.
Burial in Israel Costs
Costs depend on the plot, the flight, and the arrangements in Israel. We explain every cost to you before you decide, and there are no hidden charges on our end. Our General Price List is published online.
Why Families Trust Torchinsky
- Chevra Kadisha of Greater WashingtonListed among funeral homes that support a taharah
- 98% superior ratingWashington Consumers’ Checkbook raters
- 30+ years in funeral serviceJoyce E. Torchinsky
Questions About Burial in Israel
Your family secures a plot, and we handle everything on this side: the taharah, the death certificates, consular authorization, passport paperwork, and the El Al flight. The burial society in Israel receives your loved one and conducts the burial.
After the taharah and all paperwork is complete, we arrange air cargo through El Al. Only certain aircraft carry remains and space is limited, so timing depends on flight availability. We coordinate this as early as possible and keep your family informed throughout.
The burial society for the cemetery meets the flight, brings your loved one to the cemetery, and conducts the burial according to local custom. Your family or rabbi can share your wishes for the service in Israel, and we will pass them along.
The cost depends mainly on the plot, the flight, and the arrangements in Israel. We explain each cost to you before you make any decision.
Yes. Many families hold a service at our chapel or their synagogue before the flight, so the community here can say goodbye. A memorial service can also be held after the burial for those who could not travel.
Yes, a plot in Israel is needed before arrangements can move forward. If you do not have one, call us and we will explain how families typically arrange one, either directly from a cemetery or through an organization.
Related Services
- Taharah and shmirah
- Pre-planning Record a wish for burial in Israel
- Memorial services A gathering here after the burial
We Are Here For You
If a death has occurred, call (202) 541-1001 now, any hour, including Shabbat. To plan ahead for burial in Israel, 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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