Archive for February 2026
Attending a Jewish Funeral: What to Expect
Attending a Jewish Funeral: What to Expect Attending a Jewish Funeral: What to Expect. When a loved one passes, planning or attending a funeral can feel overwhelming. At Kronish Funeral Services, we believe that understanding the traditions and flow of a Jewish funeral can provide comfort and clarity. Families often ask what to expect at…
Read MoreThe Meaning of 18 (Chai) in Jewish Funerals and Memorial Giving
🌿 The Meaning of 18 (Chai) in Jewish Funerals and Memorial Giving The Meaning of 18 (Chai) in Jewish Funerals and Memorial Giving. In Jewish tradition, numbers carry deep spiritual meaning. Among them, 18—known as chai, meaning “life” in Hebrew—stands out as a symbol of vitality, blessing, and continuity. When families honor loved ones through…
Read MoreThe Mourner’s Kaddish Is For The Living
Mourner’s Kaddish: Central to Jewish Prayer The Mourner’s Kaddish Is For The Living. Mourner’s Kaddish: Central to Jewish Prayer. The Mourner’s Kaddish is the most recognized and central prayer of the Jewish mourning ritual, even though it does not, even once, mention death. Starting with the prayer’s first verse, the Mourner’s Kaddish is a reaffirmation…
Read MoreAre Jews Allowed To Be Cremated? Understanding Jewish Perspectives
Are Jews Allowed To Be Cremated? Understanding Jewish Perspectives Why Burial Over Cremation? Are Jews Allowed To Be Cremated? Understanding Jewish Perspectives. The preference for burial over cremation in Judaism can be traced back to biblical texts that serve as the foundation for Jewish religious law and practices. The Torah, which is the central reference…
Read MoreIntroduction: Can a Woman Wear Pants to a Jewish Funeral? The Short and Long Answer
Attending a funeral is a profound act of respect, and navigating the customs of a Jewish service can feel daunting if you are unfamiliar with them. One of the most common questions women have is about appropriate attire, specifically: Can you wear pants to a Jewish funeral? The short answer is: yes, in most circumstances,…
Read MoreThe Difference Between a Jewish Funeral Home and a Funeral Home That Buries Jews
The Difference Between a Jewish Funeral Home and a Funeral Home That Buries Jews The Difference Between a Jewish Funeral Home and a Funeral Home That Buries Jews. Many funeral homes can accommodate a Jewish burial. Very few are truly Jewish funeral homes. The difference is not cosmetic—it affects every ritual, every decision, and every…
Read MoreJewish Funeral Traditions Explained
Why Don’t Jews Have Flowers at Funerals? Tradition When Jews point to tradition to explain a religious or cultural practice, this usually indicates, as confirmed by Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, that no one knows “why” Jews do what they do. I have been a Jew for 62 years (which is a long time),…
Read MoreElaine Grossinger Etess Obituary
Elaine Grossinger Etess Obituary Obituary Elaine Grossinger Etess, the third-generation Jewish proprietor of the famed Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel, passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 98. Etess, who died at her home in Florida, was the daughter of Jennie and Harry Grossinger, the couple who grew the resort from a small…
Read MoreWhat Is a Jewish Funeral Like? A Guide for Non-Jews
Attending a funeral is never easy. When the funeral follows traditions you’re unfamiliar with, it can feel even more uncomfortable or confusing. If you’ve never attended a Jewish funeral, you may wonder what will happen, what you should wear, or how to act respectfully. Jewish funerals are usually quiet, simple, and focused on honoring the…
Read MoreHow to Ensure Your Final Wishes Are Honored
How to Ensure Your Final Wishes Are Honored A Simple Guide for Your Peace of Mind How to Ensure Your Final Wishes Are Honored. Planning for the future is one of the most selfless gifts we can give our families. We know that thinking about end-of-life arrangements isn’t easy, but taking these steps now ensures…
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