The Jewish religion has a long tradition against cremation. However, this is changing and today, in the Reform sect at least, upwards of 15% of end-of-life services involve cremation. This is only set to increase, with the inevitable migration of the practice into other Jewish denominations over time.  

This doesn’t change the fact that, today, there are still many challenges surrounding the organization of a Jewish funeral with cremation. If your loved one has expressed a desire for such an end-of-life service, where do you turn to make the arrangements?

The first step is to speak to both your rabbi and a funeral home. From then on, although you may meet some resistance depending on which type of Judaism you follow, the process should begin to fall into place.

From the Spiritual to the Practicalities: who handles cremations?

• The role of the rabbi
• The role of the funeral home

The role of the rabbi

While a rabbi doesn’t play a role in the practicalities of a cremation, they are usually one of the first ports of call when organizing an end-of-life service (be it a burial or a cremation). 

Reform Judaism is the most accepting of cremation. While they might still encourage a traditional burial, many rabbis will officiate at the funeral—although perhaps not at the internment or burial of the ashes. Again, this is slowly changing as more Jewish people choose cremation as an option.

Conservative rabbis are also permitted to officiate at the funeral of a person being cremated. Orthodox Jews hold the strongest views against cremation, with burial still being considered the only acceptable option. While this holds true today, as time goes by this may well change.

However, families are free to go against a rabbi’s advice. Indeed, any Jewish person can officiate at a funeral—it doesn’t have to be a rabbi.

The role of the funeral home

Your chosen funeral home will handle the complete cremation process. They will offer other services as well, such as the choice of caskets and helping you decide on a suitable burial or interment site for your loved one’s ashes, if required. They can also arrange to pick up the ashes and store them if needed.

Many Jewish funeral homes offer complete cremation packages, something that can often make the process easier. Even if your rabbi has advised against cremation (and it’s certainly not a rarity, as this remains an extremely emotive subject), if you choose to go against their advice, then a Jewish funeral home can help you with all the arrangements.

Whatever the end-of-life scenario, it’s important that it’s a time for family and loved ones to come together and celebrate the life of the person. Finding a funeral provider who offers the right services for the circumstances can be a real source of comfort in what is undoubtedly going to be a difficult time.

The crematorium will handle the actual process of cremation. If required, the funeral service can also take place here (or at the funeral home). 

Get Answers to Who Handles Cremations and other FAQs at the Jewish Cremation Society

Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or exploring possible end-of-life scenarios for yourself, it can often be challenging to get straight, impartial advice. Enter the Jewish Cremation Society, a service that provides factual, non-emotive information about everything to do with the process.

Whether you want to know who handles cremations or anything else, this is the place to come for a confidential discussion.

Head to web link for more information and call our friendly team today.