End of Life
Burial
Chevra Kavod HaMet
Condolence Notices
Funerals / Mourner’s Meals / Shivas
Remembrance Opportunities
Yahrzeit Memorial Display
End of Life
End of Life
In the Jewish tradition, death is a part of the lifecycle.
Your Adath clergy and community are here to walk with you through this sacred time, and are committed to helping you navigate both the spiritual and practical aspects of the end of life process, offering guidance, presence, and ritual to hold and honor your loved ones. |
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Navigating This Page
Click through the options in the top menu bar for more information on End of Life processes and services provided by Adath.
Not finding the answer to your question? Contact:
Christine Levin, Member Services & Programs Administrator
[email protected] | 952.215.3912
Burial
Burial Options
Adath Jeshurun Congregation partners with and cares for multiple cemeteries and funeral homes to ensure our congregants have meaningful options that honor and support their End of Life wishes.
Please see Chevra Kavod HaMet tab for information on Adath's Society to Honor the Deceased. Chevra is available to assist our Adath congregants throughout the End of Life process.
Please see Chevra Kavod HaMet tab for information on Adath's Society to Honor the Deceased. Chevra is available to assist our Adath congregants throughout the End of Life process.
Adath-Managed Cemeteries
Chesed Shel Emes (True Kindness), the namesake of Adath’s cemetery in Crystal, refers to the mitzvah of caring for the dead. This is considered by the Rabbis as the highest form of kindness because it cannot be repaid by its recipients. Adath maintains two beautiful cemeteries, Adath Chesed Shel Emes in Crystal and B’nai Emet Cemetery in Richfield.
Chesed Shel Emes (True Kindness), the namesake of Adath’s cemetery in Crystal, refers to the mitzvah of caring for the dead. This is considered by the Rabbis as the highest form of kindness because it cannot be repaid by its recipients. Adath maintains two beautiful cemeteries, Adath Chesed Shel Emes in Crystal and B’nai Emet Cemetery in Richfield.
Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery
Tel: 952.697.5075 Email: [email protected] 3740 Winnetka Ave N Crystal, MN 55427 |
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Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapels
Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapels is dedicated to guiding you through the difficult journey of losing a loved one. As a family-owned funeral home with decades of experience, they approach every service with compassion and sensitivity, whether you prefer traditional customs or modern alternatives. From the moment you reach out, their caring staff is here to listen, support, and help you make the best decisions for your family. With two locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hodroff-Epstein stands as a beacon of strength and compassion for our community. They are committed to honoring the personal wishes of every family, ensuring that each service reflects the unique life and traditions of your loved one. Website: www.hodroffepsteinmemorialchapels.com |
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Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel Minneapolis
Tel: 612.871.1234 Email: [email protected] 126 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404 |
Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel St. Paul
Tel: 651.698.8311 Email: [email protected] 671 Snelling Ave S St Paul, MN 55116 |
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Washburn-McReavy
Proudly serving Minnesota for over 165 years, Washburn-McReavy is the state’s oldest and largest independent funeral establishment. Family-owned and operated across generations, Washburn-McReavy remains dedicated to honoring lives with compassion, dignity, and personalized service. Tel: 612.377.2203 Website: www.washburn-mcreavy.com Multiple locations. |
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CIMS (Cemetery Information Management System)
If you have a loved one buried at Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery, you can now use CIMS to:
...all from your phone or any online device. Website: www.burialsearch.com/1069 |
Chevra Kavod HaMet
Chevra Kavod HaMetContact [email protected] for more information and to make arrangements.
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What is the Chevra Kavod HaMet?
Jewish tradition teaches that caring for the dead is chesed shel emet (the truest act of kindness), for it is offered with no expectation in return. The Chevra Kavod HaMet (Society to Honor the Deceased), comprised of volunteer congregants, upholds this sacred obligation by tending to the deceased with honor, modesty, dignity, and deep respect.
The Chevra was founded at Adath over 45 years ago to support congregants who have experienced a loss by supporting them through a traditional Jewish funeral and is guided by the Chevra Advisory Committee. In addition to the compassionate End of Life services that can be made available to Adath membership, the Chevra leads learning and engagement opportunities with attention to matters of death and dying.
Jewish tradition teaches that caring for the dead is chesed shel emet (the truest act of kindness), for it is offered with no expectation in return. The Chevra Kavod HaMet (Society to Honor the Deceased), comprised of volunteer congregants, upholds this sacred obligation by tending to the deceased with honor, modesty, dignity, and deep respect.
The Chevra was founded at Adath over 45 years ago to support congregants who have experienced a loss by supporting them through a traditional Jewish funeral and is guided by the Chevra Advisory Committee. In addition to the compassionate End of Life services that can be made available to Adath membership, the Chevra leads learning and engagement opportunities with attention to matters of death and dying.
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What services can the Chevra provide?
The Chevra provides services related to Jewish tradition and halacha, and contracts with a funeral home to provide other services. Services provided by the Chevra include:
*There may be limits to our ability to recruit and provide shomrim in certain circumstances. Services typically provided by the funeral home include:
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Volunteering
Your community needs you. Adath’s Chevra Kavod Hamet can only do the holy service of tahara (ritual purification), shmira (guarding/watching), and other such services with the support of our membership volunteering.
Please call or email our Chevra Chairs to be included among the many compassionate volunteers who participate in the holy work of the Chevra. Our Chevra leadership can help support you in learning more and engaging in this deeply meaningful mitzvah.
Your community needs you. Adath’s Chevra Kavod Hamet can only do the holy service of tahara (ritual purification), shmira (guarding/watching), and other such services with the support of our membership volunteering.
Please call or email our Chevra Chairs to be included among the many compassionate volunteers who participate in the holy work of the Chevra. Our Chevra leadership can help support you in learning more and engaging in this deeply meaningful mitzvah.
End of Life Guidance Form (Expression of Guidance)
This Expression of Guidance form helps to instruct clergy and family of an individual's wishes when moving through the End of Life process.
Once completed, this form is placed in your synagogue file as a reference for the clergy; you may want to keep a copy with your important papers. This can help encourage conversations with family members.
Family may also inform the clergy of the desire for a Chevra-organized funeral at the time of death.
You are welcome to provide a printed copy to the Adath Office or email a digital copy to [email protected].
This Expression of Guidance form helps to instruct clergy and family of an individual's wishes when moving through the End of Life process.
Once completed, this form is placed in your synagogue file as a reference for the clergy; you may want to keep a copy with your important papers. This can help encourage conversations with family members.
Family may also inform the clergy of the desire for a Chevra-organized funeral at the time of death.
You are welcome to provide a printed copy to the Adath Office or email a digital copy to [email protected].
Condolence Notices
Congregational Condolence Notices
Adath Jeshurun Congregation sends notices of condolence after a congregant or relative of a congregant has passed. This condolence notice might include information about surviving and/or remembered family, funeral service information, shiva information, and donation requests.
If you would like to receive notices of Adath members who have passed, click here to sign up for our Condolence Notices email list.
If you would like to request a Condolence Notice be distributed to our congregation, please contact Christine Levin at [email protected] or 952.215.3912.
Click here to see a sample Condolence Notice.
If you would like to receive notices of Adath members who have passed, click here to sign up for our Condolence Notices email list.
If you would like to request a Condolence Notice be distributed to our congregation, please contact Christine Levin at [email protected] or 952.215.3912.
Click here to see a sample Condolence Notice.
Funerals / Mourner’s Meals / Shivas
Adath Funerals, Mourner's Meals, and Shiva Receptions
At Adath Jeshurun Congregation, caring for one another is at the heart of who we are.
We are honored to support our members during times of mourning by providing space, staff assistance and security—creating a safe and loving environment for funerals and shivas. These services are offered at no charge as part of our commitment to the community.
To help sustain this sacred work and extend it to others, we invite you to make a donation to the Where It's Needed Most/General Fund. A suggested gift of $400 per gathering helps offset the cost of staff, security, and space—but we are grateful for any contribution that feels meaningful to you.
Together, we care for one another—now and always.
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Funerals
Funeral services are provided free of charge for members of the Adath community. Please contact [email protected] or 952.545.2424 to make arrangements. |
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Mourner's Meals
Before Shiva, families may bring food and beverages for their Mourner’s Meals. If the food is vegetarian or non-shellfish pescatarian, it may be from a non hechsher caterer or provider. No marshmallows are allowed. Food may NOT be placed anywhere in the kitchen, including coolers or freezers, regardless of the provider. Meals are served in the Social Hall. Adath will provide and set up tables only; families are responsible for any desired plates, napkins, silverware, serving utensils, and linens. All items must be removed at the end of your event. Please contact [email protected] or 952.215.3912 to make arrangements. |
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Shiva Receptions
Families may bring food and beverages for their Shiva receptions. If the food is vegetarian or non-shellfish pescatarian, it may be from a non-hechsher caterer or provider. No marshmallows are allowed. Food may NOT be placed anywhere in the kitchen, including coolers or freezers, regardless of the provider. Receptions will be held in the Adult Lounge. Families are responsible for any desired plates, napkins, silverware, serving utensils, and linens. All items must be removed at the end of the shiva.You and your guests may enjoy complimentary coffee and tea from the Adult Lounge. Coffee, tea, hot water, creamers, and cups are provided. Please contact [email protected] or 952.215.3912 to make arrangements. |
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Finalizing Your Plans
Please contact Christine Levin at [email protected] or 952.215.3912 to reserve spaces and finalize your plans.
Please contact Christine Levin at [email protected] or 952.215.3912 to reserve spaces and finalize your plans.
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Shiva Gals
By allowing Shiva Gals to take the reins, mourners are able to tend to healing their hearts and paying tribute to their loved ones rather than the flurry of tasks and details that come with planning their time of mourning. Shiva Gals creates an environment and structure within which the bereaved are able to grieve while being immersed in the comfort of Jewish tradition surrounded by friends, family and their community. Tel: 612.220.5123 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shivagals.com |
Remembrance Opportunities
Annual Remembrance Opportunities
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Yizkor Memorial Book
Each year, Adath Jeshurun Congregation creates a book in remembrance of those who have passed from our congregation. This book is used throughout the year during services where we are instructed to honor the deceased. Yizkor Memorial Books are updated in the Fall as we prepare for Yom Kippur. Our congregation will be notified when submissions open for the next Yizkor Memorial Book. Click here to see the 5786 Yizkor Memorial Book. Kever Avot Cemetery Services During the High Holy Days, our clergy leads our Adath community in a morning of Kever Avot (Graveside Memorial) Services. These services are held in sequence at Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery, Adath Yeshurun Cemetery, and B'nai Emet Cemetery. Yom HaShoah Memorial Program On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we gather as a community at the Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery to recall Holocaust victims and survivors who have passed on. Memorial Day at Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemtery On Memorial Day, our Adath community joins together at Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery to honor and remember veterans and Holocaust survivors who have passed. |
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Leaving a Legacy
Many in our community choose to honor the legacy of a loved one by giving a gift to carry forward the values that mattered most to them. While always optional, these gifts help nurture the people, programs, and connections that make Adath truly feel like a place of belonging.
Gifts to the General Fund offer the broadest impact, though you may choose a fund that reflects a personal passion. We invite you to give in the way that feels most impactful to you.
Memorial & Legacy endowment funds can be established at any time through the Adath Jeshurun Foundation.
To learn more or explore creating a fund, please contact Talor Blustin at [email protected] or 952.215.3916.
Gifts to the General Fund offer the broadest impact, though you may choose a fund that reflects a personal passion. We invite you to give in the way that feels most impactful to you.
Memorial & Legacy endowment funds can be established at any time through the Adath Jeshurun Foundation.
To learn more or explore creating a fund, please contact Talor Blustin at [email protected] or 952.215.3916.
Yahrzeit Memorial Display
Yahrzeit Memorial Display
Honor the memory of a loved one with a lasting tribute through Adath’s Yahrzeit Memorial Display.
Located just outside the Chapel, this display features your loved one’s name and photo during the week of their yahrzeit, offering a meaningful and visible way to remember and honor them.
Cost: When arranging a yahrzeit display, there is a one-time fee of $500 (discounts available for multiple listings).
For more information or to arrange a display, please contact Christine Levin at [email protected] or 952.215.3912.
Located just outside the Chapel, this display features your loved one’s name and photo during the week of their yahrzeit, offering a meaningful and visible way to remember and honor them.
Cost: When arranging a yahrzeit display, there is a one-time fee of $500 (discounts available for multiple listings).
For more information or to arrange a display, please contact Christine Levin at [email protected] or 952.215.3912.
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