Our Services
Pre-Planning a Jewish Funeral
Record your wishes now so your family never has to guess. Plan a Jewish funeral your way, with no pressure and no obligation to prepay.
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)
Why Pre Planning a Jewish Funeral Matters
Planning ahead means fewer decisions for your children at one of the hardest moments of their lives. When your wishes are written down, your family can focus on mourning and on each other instead of guessing what you would have wanted.
Jewish funerals move quickly, often within a day or two, which leaves very little time for your family to make choices under pressure. When you have already recorded what you want, your family knows where you will be buried, who will lead the service, and which customs to follow. You can choose your synagogue and rabbi, your cemetery, and the traditions that matter to you, and take the time to ask questions calmly. Our price lists are published, so you can plan with clear information.
Pre Planning Funeral Arrangements, Step by Step
Pre-planning with us is simple, and you can change your plan at any time.
1
Call or Send the Form
Send the form on this page or call (202) 541-1001. We will contact you to arrange a time to talk.
2
Meet With Us
We sit down with you in a relaxed conversation, at our chapel or by phone, and walk through each decision at your pace. There is no rush and no pressure to settle everything in one meeting.
3
Record Your Wishes
We write down your choices and keep them on file at the funeral home, so they are there when your family needs them.
4
Update Any Time
If your wishes change, call us and we will update your plan. Nothing is locked in.
Prefer to Talk First?
Call us with any question about planning ahead. There is no obligation.
Plan Only, or Plan and Prepay
You can plan without paying anything. Prepaying is a choice, never a requirement.
| Plan Only | Plan and Prepay | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Your wishes are recorded and kept on file | Your wishes are recorded, and you pay ahead |
| Payment now | Nothing to pay now | Paid in advance |
| Where the money is held | Not applicable | In trust or escrow, as state law requires |
| Choosing services | You choose only what you want | You choose only what you want |
Terms for prepaid plans depend on your written contract and your state’s law.
No Obligation to Prepay
Prepaying is optional. If you choose to prepay, your funds are held in trust or escrow as state law requires.
Plan With Someone You Trust
- Independent, Jewish, woman-ownedWashington, DC’s independent Jewish funeral home
- 30+ years in funeral serviceJoyce E. Torchinsky
- 98% superior ratingWashington Consumers’ Checkbook raters
Pre Planning Funeral Questions
No. You can record your wishes and keep them on file without paying anything. Prepaying is entirely optional, and many families choose to plan only.
If you choose to prepay, your funds are held in trust or escrow as state law requires. Your written contract explains exactly how your funds are held, and we are glad to walk you through it.
For many families, yes. Writing down your wishes spares your children difficult decisions during a time when Jewish tradition calls for a burial within a day or two. It makes sure your customs are followed and gives your family one clear path instead of a list of questions they cannot ask you. You can plan without paying anything in advance.
Pre-need is the industry term for any funeral arrangement made before a death occurs. It can mean recording your wishes only, or recording them and prepaying. At Torchinsky, we offer both options and there is no obligation to prepay.
Yes, you can update your wishes at any time by calling us. If you have prepaid, any changes to the funds follow the terms of your contract.
Yes. We arrange burial in Israel, including coordination with the burial society in Israel, the flight, and passport and consular paperwork.
We arrange transfers to and from other states. If you have prepaid, what happens to the funds depends on your contract and state law, and we will explain your options.
Related Services and Guides
- Pre-planning checklist What to gather before you plan
- Our price lists General Price List and Casket Price List
- Traditional Jewish funerals What a traditional service includes
We Are Here When You Need Us
Tell us how to reach you and we will contact you to arrange a time to talk. There is no cost and no obligation. If you would rather talk now, call (202) 541-1001.
- (202) 541-1001, answered any hour, including Shabbat
- 254 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
- info@torchinsky.com