Our Services
Jewish Cremation Services
When your family has chosen cremation, we arrange it with the same care we bring to every Jewish funeral, with the prayers and the memorial you want and no judgment.
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)
Cremation With Respect for Jewish Tradition
Jewish tradition has long favored burial, and many rabbis encourage it. Many Jewish families today still choose cremation, sometimes because a loved one asked for it.
Whatever your family decides, we serve you with respect. If you would like to understand the different views first, read our guide to cremation and Jewish tradition. We explain each choice plainly, from the authorizations to what happens with the cremated remains, so your family can decide without pressure.
What We Arrange for Cremation
Permits and Paperwork
We obtain the authorizations and permits the law requires before a cremation, and the death certificates you will need.
A Service Before the Cremation
A service at our chapel, your synagogue, or another place, with your rabbi or an officiant we help you find.
A Memorial Afterward
Many families gather after the cremation instead. See our memorial services.
Burial of the Cremated Remains
Some Jewish cemeteries accept cremated remains, each under its own rules. We confirm with the cemetery for you. See Jewish cemeteries in Greater Washington.
Only What You Choose
You choose only the goods and services you want. A casket is not required for cremation.
How a Cremation Is Arranged
We guide you through each step.
1
Call Us
Call (202) 541-1001 any hour. We bring your loved one into our care.
2
Sign the Authorization
The next of kin signs the cremation authorization. We obtain the permits and clearances the law requires. In DC, that includes the medical examiner's clearance; in Maryland, a cremation cannot take place until at least 12 hours after death.
3
Choose How to Remember
A service before the cremation, a memorial after, or both.
4
Receive or Bury the Cremated Remains
We return the cremated remains to your family or arrange burial at a cemetery that accepts them.
Kaddish, Shiva, and Remembering
After a cremation, Kaddish is still said, and giving charity in your loved one’s memory is a meaningful custom. See Kaddish and Jewish prayers.
Practice on shiva and on whether a rabbi will lead the service differs between communities, so ask your rabbi. If your family sits shiva, we can deliver shiva chairs, low stools, a shiva candle, and a water pitcher. See shiva equipment delivery.
Why Families Choose Torchinsky
- 98% superior ratingWashington Consumers’ Checkbook raters
- Every denominationOrthodox, Conservative, Reform, and unaffiliated families
Questions About Jewish Cremation Services
Many do. Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home arranges cremation for families who choose it, along with a service or memorial if you wish.
Some Jewish cemeteries accept cremated remains, particularly Reform cemeteries, and each sets its own rules. We check with the cemetery before anything is planned.
Yes. You can hold a service before the cremation, a memorial afterward, or both, at our chapel or another place.
Kaddish is still said after a cremation. Practice on shiva differs, so ask your rabbi what your community observes.
Costs depend on what you choose. Our General Price List is published online, and you choose only the goods and services you want. See our price lists.
Related Pages
We Are Here When You Need Us
Call (202) 541-1001 any hour, including Shabbat, or send us a message and we will answer your questions.
- (202) 541-1001, answered any hour, including Shabbat
- 254 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
- info@torchinsky.com
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