The Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington came into existence in 1976 to take Jewish funerals out of ordinary commerce and restore them to a sacred and meaningful mitzvah performed by congregations and other religious communities. In the Washington Area, Tifereth Israel Congregation pioneered the concept and their committee began educating and training others.
The Funeral Practices Committee now includes some 46 congregations, havurot, and societies, including the entire spectrum of religious Jewry. It promotes funeral practices which are considered Jewish law for Conservative and Orthodox Jews, and which reflect Jewish values regardless of denomination, for Reform, Reconstructionist, and independent communities. The committee also helps congregations protect the bereaved from commercial exploitation.
Operate entirely with volunteers. Our expenses are defrayed by $100 annual dues paid by member congregations. We don’t throw anyone out, but 90% pay their dues.
Committee members stand ready to help congregations to organize hevrai kadishot or bereavement committees, supply materials that they can use such as information sheets and questionnaires, and help them to educate their congregations.
The key has been the active participation of congregation members. Funeral committees, by one name or another, make themselves immediately available to visit and counsel the bereaved, obtain the needed information, and arrange and manage the funeral and burial. The bereaved family does not have to do business directly with a funeral director. Many congregations have committees to provide tahara (ritual washing) and shomrim (watchers) before the funeral. Most congregations arrange a meal of condolence after the funeral, and many arrange shiva at the family home so that friends and relative can express their sympathy properly.
The JFPCGW contracts with Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring MD (301-622-2290) and with Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria VA (703-971-7400). These funeral homes will provide the professional services for a complete funeral for $1,751 (Hines-Rinaldi) and $3,105 (Jefferson), including the casket and, if desired, its funeral chapels. (Many congregations use their own sanctuaries.) Typically about 200 funerals are done under the terms of JFPCGW contracts each year. These contracts also have the effect of creating price competition, whcih lowers the prices charged to the Jewish community by other funeral homes in our area.
Our contracts also have the effect of creating price competition and keeping the prices charged the Jewish community by other funeral homes in ou
4000 Cathedral Ave. NW #322B
Washington, DC 20016-5249
Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington
4000 Cathedral Ave. NW #322B
Washington, DC 20016-5249