Page 3 - Funeral Information

As a chaplain, my role is not to mandate religious doctrine, force individuals into specific choices or even advocate a particular lifestyle or worldview. Rather, the focus of chaplaincy care tends to be on facilitating the ability of individuals to articulate their own goals and values, and helping them uncover, navigate, translate and resolve some of the issues with which they might be struggling. People often ask me for guidance when confronted with the choice of cremation, as there is often religious guilt or complicated family tension associated with this decision. I know many people who have chosen cremation and are very comfortable with their choice. I also do not think that it

Updated on 11/13/20

This article covers six different ways to scatter or bury ashes, including casting, burial in a trench, raking, scattering over water, aerial scattering and green burial.

Although there are certainly rules and laws regulating the disposition of ashes on land, water or in the air, your choices are largely left up to your own discretion. 

These ideas for scattering and burial ceremonies

As the popularity of cremation expands throughout the United States, many religious scholars and clerics find themselves stuck in a conundrum. Within the next few years, cremation will likely become the norm in the U.S. Even in the Jewish tradition, where cremation has been considered taboo for centuries, congregations are dealing with more faithful members who seek cremation when they die. With research and new interpretation of religious texts, many rabbis have found a middle ground to allow Jews who have been cremated to have a proper burial in a Jewish cemetery. When the family observes the proper stages of mourning and keep a kosher burial plan, many congregations will honor their loved one’s request to be cremated.

Interpreting the Jewish Laws

Halachah, the Jewish law, states that people who have died must be buried on land. Simply put, according to the Torah, people are endowed with their bodies by their creator. When they die, they are supposed

Updated on 11/13/20

Most people who choose to be cremated want to have a portion of their ashes scattered or buried in a place that was exceptionally meaningful to them. However, families may hit a snag or two in the transportation process, if they do not plan ahead.

The rules to transport cremated remains require some forethought and the purchase of the right cremation urn. With attention to detail and local regulations, families can move the ashes of their loved ones to a fitting final resting place.

Is It Easy to Transport Ashes by Car?

Urn Vaults: Providing Ultimate Protection For Cremation Urns

Regardless of the many choices people have for cremation urns for ashes, some families prefer to stick with tradition. Historically, cremation urns have been stored in a permanent place in a cemetery, or otherwise kept at home. People who want their ashes placed in an urn and put to final rest in a consecrated cemetery, should consider purchasing an urn vault to hold their urns.

Urn vaults are often required by cemetery

Cremation Jewelry

Your loved one will undoubtedly hold a special place in your

Money can’t be taken with you, but it’s unlikely that anyone would like their remaining savings to be spent on funeral services. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average funeral in the U.S. costs around $6,500. The emotional distress of a death is difficult enough, without the worry of a financial burden that often comes with planning a memorial service or funeral. Cremation funerals have become an increasingly common option in the U.S. for many reasons, one of which is the great cost of traditional ground burials.

Typically, cremation funerals can save thousands compared to traditional burial services.  During

Teddy bears have always been associated with warmth and comfort.  With their loved