Eternity is forever.

At the Chevra Kadisha of West Hempstead, we are committed to upholding the dignity in death that belongs to every Jew. Through Tahara, the Jewish tradition of gently preparing the body for burial, we bring the soul eternal peace and provide comfort to loved ones.

We're here for you—offering clarity, support, and a steady hand.

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Burial Wishes Form

A tradition of respect.

Jewish burial practices are designed to treat the deceased with the utmost respect and dignity from the moment of passing to the burial. During the Tahara, the body is physically and spiritually prepared for burial, facilitating the soul’s peaceful separation from the physical world while honoring the vessel that housed it. Every step is carried out with mindfulness and reverence, a final act of devotion, care, and comfort.

Knowledge is peace of mind.

Jewish tradition teaches that every life is sacred, and how we care for the deceased matters. Making decisions without a clear understanding of their implications often leads to regret. We’re here to answer any questions you may have—death and burial are weighty topics, but everyone deserves an intentional end.

The Tahara process

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Common misconceptions surrounding Jewish burial:

Burial is so outdated

Times may change, but burial remains the natural, conscientious choice, honoring both the deceased and the earth—reflecting the timeless values of the Torah.

I haven’t been a ‘good Jew’

Jewish burial is a birthright, regardless of affiliation, observance or life choices. Jewish tradition teaches that everyone deserves the dignity of a proper burial.

Cremation seems simpler

Cremation is violent and unnatural, normalized through aggressive marketing. Jewish burial is eco-friendly and gentle on both the environment and the deceased.

No one will visit

While a burial site can offer comfort and closure, the primary reason for Jewish burial is that it’s a mitzvah, and the right way to treat the body—with dignity and respect.

Burial is expensive

We invest in what matters, and end-of-life decisions matter a lot. Financial resources are always available for those in true need—reach out for support.

With heritage and heart.

Founded in 1970, the Chevra Kadisha of West Hempstead has dedicated itself to providing essential Tahara services to our community. For over fifty years we’ve cared for the Jewish community with compassion, respect, and integrity — powered by volunteers with no agenda but to give wholeheartedly, simply for the sake of kindness. In a world that often commodifies death, we are a trusted source of comprehensive support in Jewish burial traditions. We are honored to stand by you, offering a meaningful and heartfelt presence when it matters most.

Richard Miller

President

Yaakov Pitterman

Vice President

We’re here for you

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Our services

A journey of choice.

Families reflect on the struggle, nuance, and decisions surrounding burial choices, and the comfort and clarity received along the way.

My great aunt never had children. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to visit her grave in Wisconsin, but I’m grateful I can show my children the photo of the headstone and tell them about her.

- Sara

My aunt Francine was cremated, and I wish we would’ve spoken about it prior. We were close, and I would have liked a concrete place to connect with her. My parents were buried and I can visit them anytime, but Francine doesn’t exist anymore.

- Teri

We gave our mom a Jewish burial. After we learned how gentle and environmentally responsible it is we realized it was the right choice. We never would have imagined that burying our mother would be a calm and peaceful experience, but it was.

- Patty

My brother Rebel was a free-spirit and very proud of his heritage. His dying wish was to be buried in the most natural way, and we were relieved his wishes were in accordance with Jewish burial laws. Our family is comforted knowing that he had a Jewish burial.

- Richard

Even if I don’t know all the laws and the reasons behind them, if I choose cremation I can never go back. How could I do to my own mother what Hitler did to so many of us? I wasn’t going to be the one to desecrate her soul as the last act of her body here on earth.

- Deborah