What services does a funeral director provide?
A funeral director makes all of the arrangements required to transfer the deceased from the place of death to the funeral chapel and to the ultimate place of burial; obtains the death certificates; prepares the remains for burial; aids in the selection of caskets and burial garments; assists in the preparation of obituary notices; and coordinates and supervises the arrangements for funeral services and burial.

Who should I call when a death occurs?
You should immediately call your rabbi and your funeral director. The funeral director will arrange for transfer of the deceased to the funeral chapel and will begin a preliminary discussion regarding the time and place of the funeral. If you do not have a rabbi the funeral director will assist you in finding a suitable rabbi for your needs.

What should I do if the death occurred in a distant place?
Call the funeral director in the location where the funeral service and burial will take place. We can make arrangements to transport a body from any location in the world.

What information will I need to provide to the funeral director?
In order to complete the death certificate, the funeral director will need the names of the deceased's parents, including the maiden name of the deceased's mother, the deceased's date of birth, occupation, and social security number. He will also need to know whether you own a burial plot and the name of your rabbi, if any. He will also guide you through a series of questions designed to determine your preferences with respect to funeral arrangements, including the rituals to be followed, the type of casket to be used, the wording of obituary notices, etc.

How soon after death must the funeral occur?
Jewish tradition urges that burial occur as soon as possible after death. However, burial can not take place on Shabbat or a religious holiday and time is often required for close family members to gather. Therefore, most Jewish funerals occur within 1 or 2 days after death.

Will the body be embalmed?
Embalming is not required and is contrary to Jewish law. Bodies are placed under refrigeration until burial occurs. Viewing of a body is contrary to Jewish law but members of the immediate family may choose to privately view the deceased. In some parts of the US and Europe embalming may be required by law which supercedes Jewish Law.

What about cremation?
Cremation is contrary to Jewish law but is accepted within some of the movements. You should consult with your rabbi as to whether cremation would be an appropriate choice for you.

How much does a funeral cost?
PLAZA's charges for a traditional Jewish funeral are about $4,500. This cost includes transferring the remains to the funeral chapel and to the place of burial; preparing the remains for burial, a plain pine casket and the service fees for arrangements and supervision. Not included is the cost of a cemetery plot, cemetery charges for opening and closing the grave site, obituary notices, limousines for family members, certain rabbinic fees and other optional expenses, all of which can add substantially to the total cost.

Should I plan ahead?
Planning ahead is a wise idea. It makes it possible to make the precise arrangements that the deceased desired and avoids making decisions in an emotional atmosphere which could result in unnecessary expenditures. New York state law requires that any money paid in advance be held in trust in a separate interest-bearing insured bank account and provides that the payments and interest are fully refundable if you change your mind about the arrangements for any reason before the funds are expended on your behalf.