Now it is time to think about what you would like the service to look like and represent.
Typically, there are three locations funerals are held: Graveside at the cemetery, the chapel at Sinai Mortuary, or a synagogue. The most common is the graveside. Yes, even in the Arizona heat, but there are different reasons to hold services in the different locations. This is where you can rely on your Rabbi or Funeral Director to help guide you.
Generally, a Rabbi typically officiates a funeral service. Not only do they provide spiritual leadership, but they also act as an emcee and help give the service structure. Many times you or a family member belong to a synagogue and that Rabbi may be the best fit. In addition, a Rabbi may have visited your loved one at the hospital or care facility or through Hospice. If you have no connection to a Rabbi here in the Valley, the funeral director will guide you to selecting a Rabbi that fits your needs.
There are a number of other decisions that will need to be made for the service. You will need to decide if there will be transportation to and from the service for friends and family, if there will be people speaking of stories or memories of the deceased, if there will be a eulogy, if you will want to place obituaries in the newspaper, whether or not you will have pallbearers, and any other special requests (for example, a display of pictures or personal items at the service, perhaps a collage).
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