sollevinsonbros-328613

Webinar: What Goes Into Planning A Funeral

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:35:44 GMT

Much more goes into planning a funeral than people realize.

Join us for an online presentation about all the decisions that need to be made, and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time .

Zoom Webinar

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

7-8pm

Have you wondered what decisions need to be made when planning a funeral?
Or why you should have this conversation now instead of burdening someone with it after you die?
What about how prepayment works and what payment options there are?

Please join us for this webinar! You'll be able to ask any questions you might have, about any funeral or memorialization options.

Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register here by Monday, March 25. If you have any questions, please reach out to Eliza Feller at 410-653-9908 or via email to planahead@sollevinson.com .

What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 23:05:09 GMT

Please join us for an engaging evening of learning about improving end-of-life experiences.

Dear Families,

With heartfelt empathy, we want to extend an invitation to you from Gilchrist Hospice for a special program entitled "What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life" with Rabbi Melanie Levav. This invaluable event seeks to foster a supportive space for those who have experienced loss over the past several years.

So often in our lives we concern ourselves with the present. What is going on now in our lives is typically paramount in our minds. Thinking ahead into the future and how we may handle difficult but inevitable decisions can be very challenging to ponder when considering our busy lives and other pressing decisions. However, sometimes we need to be jarred from our current lives and consider what may be and how we want to live in our waning days, both physically and spiritually.

Rabbi Melanie Levav, renowned for her comforting presence and insightful guidance, will lead us in exploring the meaningful conversations surrounding end-of-life care. She will help us learn ways in which more meaning and fulfillment can be sought towards one's end of life.

Please join us as we come together to learn and reflect.

Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 6:30 pm,

Location: Sol Levinson Funeral Home, 8900 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, MD 21208

Registration is kindly requested at gilchristcares.org/caringconversations

This event is organized by Gilchrist Hospice's Jewish Care and Support Committee, and generously sponsored by Sol Levinson Funeral Home, the Harvey and Linda Litofsky Family Foundation, Jewish Community Services, and the Jewish Federation of Howard County.

Let us embrace the healing power of shared understanding as we navigate this journey together.

Warm regards,

Greg King

Director of Grief Support and Community Outreach, Funeral Director

Webinar: What is Advance Planning?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:24:46 GMT

Much more goes into planning a funeral than people realize.

Join us for an online presentation about all the decisions that need to be made, and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time .

Zoom Webinar

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

12-12:45pm

Have you wondered what it means to preplan a funeral?
Or why you should have this conversation now, instead of burdening someone with it after you die?
What about how prepayment works and what payment options there are?

Please join us for this webinar! You'll be able to ask any questions you might have, about any funeral or memorialization options.

Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register here by Monday, December 11. If you have any questions, please reach out to Eliza Feller at 410-653-9908 or via email to planahead@sollevinson.com .

Funerals, Memorialization, and the Importance of Advance Planning

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:34:18 GMT

Much more goes into planning a funeral than people realize.

Join us for an online presentation about all the decisions that need to be made - and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time .

Zoom Webinar

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

7-8pm

Are you interested in the myriad options that go into funeral preplanning? Would you like to find ways to control the financial impact on your family of these future needs? Do you have questions about options and decisions you have been hesitant to ask?

Please join us for this webinar!

Eliza Feller, Director of Advance Planning at Sol Levinson & Bros., will review the ways you can make funeral planning much easier for your family.

Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register here by Monday, November 6. If you have any questions, please reach out to Eliza Feller at 410-653-8900 or via email to planahead@sollevinson.com .

Memories, Grief, and Healing During the High Holydays

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:51:24 GMT

Holiday seasons are always challenging, whether a loved one has died in the past year or if it has been many years since they've been gone.

As we approach the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, there are many opportunities to honor someone's memory and acknowledge the loss you have experienced.

Intentionally planning to incorporate some of these practices helps us gain the most benefit from this special time of the year. All of the following are open to adjustment based on your needs.

Visit the grave of a loved one - Many people plan to visit a grave before Rosh Hashanah and/or between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Some use it to "tell" their loved one everything that has happened the past year, or just spend some time at the cemetery. If you always did the crosswords together, sat and read, or something similar, there's no reason you can't do that at the cemetery.

Plan an activity - Whether with family or on your own, do something that reminds you of the person. Cook a favorite dish, go for a hike or to a sporting event, volunteer at an organization they supported, attend a concert or the theater. Even if you do this solo, telling friends or family about it is a way to share that tradition with others.

Seek out companionship - Not everyone has surviving family, they are not always nearby, or you may not be in touch with them. Whether you reach out to extended family or get together with the family you've created through friendships, commit to spending a little time with others. Share with them some of the activities mentioned above, memories of your loved one, or just a meal and some time together.

Make a donation - Donate to a charity your loved one supported, or one dedicated to researching a cure for whatever illness they may have had.

Attend a yizkor service - The yizkor memorial service takes place during two of the high holyday services. The first is on Yom Kippur, which falls on September 25. The second is on Shemini Atzeret (in non-Reform congregations), which falls on October 7. Service times vary by congregation and most are posted on their websites.

Light a memorial candle - It is customary to light a small yahrzeit candle the evening before the yizkor services (the evenings of September 24 and October 6). Candles can typically be found in the kosher food section of most grocery stores and in synagogue gift shops.

Honor your survival - No relationship is perfect. Sometimes there is residual anger over hurtful relationships, the cause of someone's death, unresolved interpersonal issues, et cetera. You are not expected to grieve a certain way, and some people are grieving more than a death. Whether you would benefit from a night away, a massage, a bucket list activity, a small but meaningful purchase - or some other way of acknowledging your specific grief - take some time to grant yourself compassion and honor for whatever point you've reached on your journey.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to us about our Grief Support programs .

The State of Maryland also has a page with links to Grief and Loss Resources . *If you are having a mental health crisis, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.*

The Importance of Advance Planning: Senior Living & Memorialization Wishes

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:23:03 GMT

What decisions should you make ahead of time - for housing needs and funeral options - to ease the financial and emotional burdens on your family?

Join us to find out!

Thursday, September 28, 2023

7-8:30 pm

Atrium Village

4730 Atrium Ct, Owings Mills 21117

Presenters:

BethAnn Talbot, Family Ally at Compassionate Ally
Eliza Feller, Director of Advance Planning at Levinson's Funeral Home

Curious about the decision-making process for finding loved ones independent, assisted living and memory care forever homes? Interested in the myriad options that go into funeral preplanning? Looking to find ways to control the financial impact on your family of these future needs?

We look forward to covering these topics in a pressure-free environment. Dessert and refreshments will be served.

RSVP here by Friday, September 22 or 410-653-8900

Sponsored by Atrium Village, Compassionate Ally, and Sol Levinson Funeral Home.

Advance Planning: What Decisions do I Need to Make Before My Appointment

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 21:12:05 GMT

What do you need to decide on before making an appointment to preplan a funeral or end-of-life ceremony?

You might be surprised.

Click below to watch a short video with our recommendations.

Our goal during an Advance Planning meeting is to provide you with information so you can make decisions that are best for you and your family.

We have all the information you need about various cemetery regulations, locations, options, and options to share with you based on what we've seen work in similar situations. We can also brainstorm ideas to further personalize your arrangements, no matter what they are.

When you speak with us, you are always free to say "I don't know. I need to think about that some more." Our hope is that our experience empowers you to make informed decisions.

Most people find that setting an appointment is the hardest part of the process, or they aren't ready to make all the decisions yet, and often put this conversation off for months or even years.

Take that next step by using our online scheduler , email us at PlanAhead@sollevinson.com , or call us at 410-653-8900 .

Advance Planning: What is the Most Important Thing to Keep in Mind?

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:50:52 GMT

Check out our short video on what our Advance Planning Specialists think is the most important consideration when preplanning.

Our Advance Planning Specialists are here to share with you all the options, so your planning truly helps your family.

We are able to draw on our many years of experience to suggest options and alternatives for almost every scenario, whether there are different levels of observance in a family, different opinions on what type of final arrangements should be made, family conflict, or even personal preferences for something you want to incorporate into your services.

We are here to provide you with information so you can consider preplanning decisions from all sides. The more you know when making your choices will lessen your family's burden of trying to figure things out at the time.

Most people find that setting an appointment is the hardest part of the process, and often put it off for months or even years.

Take that next step by using our online scheduler , email us at PlanAhead@sollevinson.com , or call us at 410-653-8900 .

Advance Planning: What is it?

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:33:48 GMT

Perhaps you're just starting to think about preplanning and don't know what it's about, or you want to start the conversation but you're not ready to commit to any decisions yet.

We've put together this short video overview of Advance Planning so you can begin by learning what the process is.

Our job as funeral directors and advance planning specialists is to make this conversation easy for you.

Most people find that setting an appointment is the hardest part of the process, and often put it off for quite some time.

Take that first step right now by using our online scheduler , email us at PlanAhead@sollevinson.com , or call us at 410-653-8900 .

Presentation: Jewish Funerals & The Importance of Advance Planning

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:00:40 GMT

Thursday, November 10

3:00-4:00 p.m.

Registration required

LOCATION

Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21208

Agus Library

Are you curious about long-standing funeral traditions, tales you’ve been told about who can be buried where or how, and modern options for end-of-life ceremonies?

Join Levinson’s Director of Advance Planning, Eliza Feller, to learn about the decisions that go into planning a funeral and why advance planning can make an overwhelming time significantly easier on your family. Bring the questions you’ve always hesitated to ask - whether basic logistics, unusual circumstances, or simple curiosity.

This event is hosted by the Rabbi Mark G. Loeb Center for Lifelong Learning at Beth El Congregation. As this is part of Beth El 's educational series, registration is required at https://www.bethelbalto.com/adults

Beth El's fees for attendance are $18 for Beth El Congregation members and $36 for non-members

Preparing for Death: Jewish Values, Rites, Rituals, and Readings

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Mon, 16 May 2022 16:17:14 GMT

End-of-Life Care and Rituals, from a Jewish Perspective

Many articles make note of the fact that as a society we have become distanced from death and dying. Some of this is due to enhanced medical interventions. Often, our loved ones are in hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice facilities during the end-of-life process. We may not be able to stay with them constantly and help them as they transition from life to death, or there may be limits on the number of people who can visit.

However, just as in many other things, Judaism provides some guidance and rituals to help bridge this divide. There are ways to support, comfort, and attend to a loved one on this journey - no matter where they may be. In this article, we rely heavily on the website Ritualwell . The posts we’ve selected provide explanations of the historical background of our traditions, as well as modern readings that may help bring us and those we love some comfort and peace. You’ll also find some recommendations for how to help friends and family as they go through this emotional and exhausting time.

The Why

To begin with, this post briefly addresses the fundamental ways we are obligated to treat someone nearing the end of their life, and why it is so important to be present with them as much as possible - whether by phone, video call, or in person https://www.ritualwell.org/preparing-death

Resources

There are both formal and alternative prayers and readings that are designed to be read on behalf of a loved one who is ill, with a loved one who is ill, or to provide some peace of mind and comfort to those accompanying a loved one who is dying. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you lean toward more spiritual and less observant, we encourage you to read and consider the meaning and importance behind these rituals so that you may inform any rituals you create on your own.

This article from My Jewish Learning offers several options for prayers and readings, but also includes how to support the person who is ill or their family in non-prayer ways. Many of them are similar to helping a family following a loss.

The vidui is a traditional prayer for when someone’s death is imminent. Sometimes a rabbi will visit the person who is dying and recite it with them. Here is a brief explanation as well as the text of the traditional vidui .

Some may prefer a slightly more modern version of the vidui, and one option can be found here .

Perhaps you want some reassuring words to ask for peace for a person as they transition from this life. If so, you may find this reading comforting.

Or you may find meaning reciting this beautiful poem, “Eternal Life, Eternal Peace,” by Suzanna Sabransky.

This National Institute on Aging article provides background on end-of-life care, rituals for comfort and connection whether through faith or family gatherings, and how to support caregivers.

Many hospice organizations also provide support for caregivers and relatives, in addition to providing care for someone who is terminally ill. If a loved one is under hospice care, we encourage you to reach out about the services they offer.

In Conclusion

Judaism provides guidance in this phase of the life cycle and - no matter your level of observance - there are many prayers, readings, and suggestions for either honoring your loved one or supporting the family of someone who is dying. We hope this serves as a starting point for creating connection and comfort.

Honoring Loved Ones at Passover

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:00:59 GMT

Passover is a time when grief can hit us especially hard.

How can we take those important feelings and use them to craft an even more meaningful holiday experience?

Here are a few thoughts:

Make a loved one's recipe during the holiday. When you serve it, you can make note of it and also briefly share a memory it brings up. Does it bring to mind sitting at the kids' table? Being taught how to make it?
Take a few minutes to go around the table and have each person mention a family member who they feel strongly influenced their life - someone whose memory lives on within them. For younger kids, perhaps talk to them about who they are named for. We spend a lot of time talking about our ancestors during Passover. This is a nice way of bringing in some more recent relatives.
Commit to going to a yizkor service on the last day of Passover, and/or lighting a yizkor candle.
Leave an empty chair at the table if you'd like to make note of a recent loss. Mention the empty space and share a memory or two of something special that person did during Passover or the role they played in the family.

Whatever you choose, we hope you have a meaningful holiday that inspires you to share cherished memories of loved ones.

Conversations You Should Be Having

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 22:20:57 GMT

Planning ahead and having important conversations is absolutely necessary at any age, for a variety of topics.

Have you begun to think about your wishes for medical care in an emergency or as you age?
Have you spoken with your doctor to understand the nuances of different types of emergency care under different circumstances?
If you're younger, what plans do you need to make now to ensure you have enough long-term care funds available?
What are your wishes for where and how you live as you age, with consideration given to how that decision will impact and possibly burden family caring for you? And what can you realistically afford?
Do you have clearly delineated checkpoints for reassessing your living situation, health care decisions, or other important parts of your life should specific events occur (should walking difficulties, self care issues, memory issues, etc. arise)?
Have you given someone the authority to handle your healthcare and/or financial decisions should something happen to you?
Do you have a will or is a judge going to determine how your assets should be split among survivors?
If you have a will, is it somewhere your family can find it?
Have you met with a professional to best determine how your assets are handled as your end of life housing and medical needs change?
Have you sat down with a funeral director to talk through all the options and make decisions?

This a brief overview. Unfortunately, we've seen a lot of people put these decisions off until it is too late. It's important to keep in mind that you can make changes to these decisions. What you decide now about healthcare or living situations can be reevaluated along the way. The good news is there are professionals, resources, and organizations available to help.

Check out these articles as a starting point:

16 Things Smart People Do for End of Life Planning
Advance planning hasn’t improved end-of-life care, some experts say. They’re getting pushback. [Spoiler Alert - it depends whether or not you involve medical professionals in the process]
Real Estate Matters: Readers offer ideas on end-of-life planning
Death Teaches Important Lessons About Life

AARP also has many articles and online resources for end-of-life planning (FYI, you do not need to be 50 or older to join AARP and use their member benefits)

A Month of Gratitude

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:25:34 GMT

Grief and Gratitude...and Gratitude in Grief

November is National Gratitude Month. Creating a gratitude practice has been shown to change people's brain function for the better, and can be especially helpful for those who are grieving.

It seems strange to talk about gratitude and grief in the same sentence. However, even at one of the worst moments in our life a funeral service is an opportunity to express gratitude for who that person was and how they influenced us. And practicing gratitude in small ways can help mourners process grief, as well as support their physical and mental health.

Here are a few articles we found about gratitude specifically as it relates to grief, and some about general benefits of a gratitude practice. While some of them are written in a less serious way, they are in no way intended to minimize grief. Rather, we hope everyone (grieving or not) finds useful information here.

How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Grieving: Step-By-Step - a write-up by Certified Grief Counselor, Dr. Alejandra Vasquez, JD, CT, who acknowledges "After losing a loved one, being grateful is not something that many of us anticipate contemplating in the middle of our grieving. Yet, it's possible to be filled with an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude and relief following a significant loss."
How Grieving With Gratitude Saved Me (please note this article references loss of a child) - Kelly Buckley, the founder of the Facebook group "Just One Little Thing," shares how gratitude got her through this devastating loss. She points out that "[gratitude] did not change the pain of the loss. But it did alleviate some of the suffering. I started to see that all these one little things were actually the big things that really gave meaning to my life. This path of gratitude was healing me, and tethering me to the present moment as I grieved."
The Neuroscience of Gratitude and How It Affects Anxiety & Grief -a fairly detailed article in Psychology Today about how gratitude affects the brain and body
Cultivating an “Attitude of Gratitude” and how to start a gratitude journal, as posted by NAMI of Dane County (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Dane County)
How to Foster Gratitude - an overview on the benefits of gratitude and tips for practicing gratitude in daily life, shared on WebMD

There are many helpful resources online and in books about ways to develop a gratitude practice - whether voicing affirmations out loud, writing a few down each morning or each night, journaling, and more. We hope you find something to bring you comfort.

What's a green burial?

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 19:43:09 GMT

Green burial? Natural burial? Green cemeteries? What's the deal?

Sometimes also referred to as natural burials, green burials or green funerals are burials that are intended to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

At Sol Levinson, we consider ourselves to be experts in green burial. We've been providing funeral services since 1892, with most of our families choosing to forego embalming and use all-wood caskets. We also have an in-depth knowledge of cemeteries throughout the region.

Many people who want to take into account the environmental impact of their end-of-life decisions are concerned with the very high amounts of energy needed for cremation, and feel strongly about returning to the earth. A traditional burial, at its most straightforward, is a green burial. We do not embalm, you can be dressed in a cotton or pure linen shroud with no metal in it, and the caskets we use are entirely made of wood and designed to biodegrade. All of our caskets come from North American casket companies.

Beyond that, the next concern tends to be the cemetery, what their requirements are for a vault and grave marker, and their method of maintaining the cemetery. Levinson's can handle burial services at any cemetery. When choosing a cemetery, there are several options in Maryland based on your preference for how strictly green the burial would be and what location you are looking for.

Baltimore Hebrew Cemetery in Reisterstown has a green burial section where they don't allow embalming or vaults, and burials must be done in one of the pine caskets we offer. They also provide an engraved river stone to mark the grave, instead of requiring a full-size monument.
Garden of Remembrance in Clarksburg is a Jewish cemetery that has been designated a Green Hybrid Burial Ground by the Green Burial Council (GBC). There are specific sections within the cemetery that do not require a vault, and their landscaping and maintenance policies have been reviewed and approved by the GBC.
Bestgate Memorial Park near Annapolis and Woodlawn Memorial Park in Easton have very strict requirements in their green burial/natural burial sections. You must be buried dressed in a shroud, in a pine coffin. They dig the grave by hand, the pallbearers have to lower the casket by hand using straps, and the grave is marked by a river stone. The grass in the area is not cut - everything is left "to nature."
There are many other cemeteries in the region where you can have some variation of a green funeral. Some cemeteries are non-denominational and some are Jewish cemeteries. There are those which allow you to be dressed in your own clothing, while others require the Jewish ritual of taharah (a ritual cleansing ceremony) and you must be dressed in a shroud. At many cemeteries a vault or concrete liner is optional. Most will require a standard marker, though some have flat marker sections that do not require a large stone.

Whether you are looking in the Baltimore, Columbia, Annapolis, or Westminster areas - or beyond - we can help find something that suits your needs. Our Advance Planning Specialists are available to review the various cemeteries and their requirements. We can help talk through locations, vault requirements, and other variables, to help narrow down the best cemetery for you.

As funeral directors, we have seen time and again how important it is to have this conversation ahead of time, so your family does not have to worry about these decisions.

If you would like any more information, please don't hesitate to call . When you are ready to schedule an appointment to come talk to us about your preferences, please see our online calendar or call us at 410-653-8900 to discuss scheduling options.

Webinar: Jewish Funerals and the Importance of Advance Planning

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:52:45 GMT

Much more goes into a funeral than many people realize. Join us as we discuss decisions that need to be made and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time.

Thursday, August 5, 2021

7-8pm

Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg, of Chizuk Amuno Congregation, will present a highlight of Jewish funeral traditions and the reasons behind them.
Eliza Feller, Director of Advance Planning at Sol Levinson & Bros., will review the ways you can make funeral planning much easier for your family.

Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register here by Wednesday, August 4. If you have any questions, please reach out to Eliza Feller at 410-653-8900 or via email .

Webinar: The Importance of Advance Planning for a Funeral

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:43:47 GMT

Much more goes into a funeral than people realize.

Get the information you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

Tuesday, July 13, 7-8pm

Eliza Feller, our Director of Advance Planning, will cover:

What decisions and questions go into planning a funeral
Why Advance Planning is so important
When you should start the process
How prepayment helps your family
Any other questions you may have about funerals or end-of-life services

There is no charge, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Click here to RSVP . If you can't attend but have questions, please reach out to us via phone or email .

*Save the date for future webinars , with the addition of presentations by:

Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg of Chizuk Amuno Congregation, Thursday, August 5 at 7pm
Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro of Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah, Tuesday, November 16, 7:30pm

FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Funeral Costs

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:32:27 GMT

For those who have lost a family member directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, starting April 12, 2021 FEMA will be offering reimbursement of funeral expenses up to $9,000.

While we at Sol Levinson & Bros. are not able to help with the application process, we want to provide you with as much information as we can to make the process as easy as possible for you.

Who is eligible for funeral assistance:

The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
Pre-paid funeral expenses will not be reimbursed.
Other funeral costs, related to the cemetery, monument, etc. are eligible for reimbursement.

Documentation:

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to gather and keep documentation. Types of information should include:

A copy or scan of an official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

Levinson's can help provide a copy of an official death certificate and funeral expense documents, if needed. Please note: In order to receive documentation, you must be the person who paid for the funeral or a primary contact on account.

How to apply for funeral assistance:

Step 1: All applications must begin by calling the phone number below.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number:

Applications begin on April 12, 2021

844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time

Step 2: Once you have contacted FEMA and have an application number, you can upload supporting documentation to the DisasterAssistance.gov website . You can also mail or fax the documents.

Please be aware of scammers offering to help register you for funeral assistance. FEMA will not contact you in any way prior to beginning the registration process.

Need to know more? Answers to more specific questions are available on FEMA's Funeral Assistance FAQ

Shiva During COVID: Loss and Opportunity

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:25:36 GMT

Why Have a Zoom Shiva or a Virtual Memorial Gathering?

COVID has clearly affected our ability to gather together in traditional ways to mourn and our community has risen to meet that challenge in amazing ways through the use of online tools. Families certainly appreciate the ability to have a service in our Outdoor Chapel where the service can be live streamed, allowing extended family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and others to hear about and honor a person’s life. Yet one of the places families seem to hesitate to embrace the virtual world is for shiva or an online gathering after the funeral.

We have heard from families - and learned through our own experiences with the death of a loved one during this time - that having a virtual shiva gathering is meaningful in many ways. Shiva is an important part of the healing process not just for the immediate family but for all those whose lives were touched by an individual. We strongly encourage families to consider setting aside even just 30 minutes to an hour, following the funeral, to have people gather on Zoom.

Why it is important

Families have lost the less formal opportunities to interact with people, since we don’t currently have receiving lines before funerals or casual interactions at shiva houses. A virtual shiva gathering after the funeral takes place provides the opportunity to hear what someone meant to other people in that person’s life. It’s a good time to hear from extended family, friends, former neighbors, coworkers, and others.

For people who can’t attend a funeral service, it is a meaningful chance for them to participate in honoring someone’s memory. This is especially important for people who would otherwise be at a service but are unable to travel. They often feel they are completely missing out on the opportunity a funeral provides in marking the death of someone they cherish.

Who should take care of this
Just as with setting up a shiva house, it is important that the family have somebody else such as a close friend or extended family take over this task so the burden doesn’t fall on an immediate mourner, if at all possible.

How Levinson’s helps

Once a family designates someone to coordinate and moderate the event, we send that person access information via shiva.com so they can create as many shiva gatherings as they need, using shiva.com’s professional Zoom account. That way the family is not bound by the standard time limit of 40 minutes.
We place the information and links to virtual shiva on the person’s individual web page, if the family would like.
We provide every family with links to the online house of mourning prayer books provided by the Reform and Conservative movements, if they would like to lead their own service. The clergy we work with also has access to those sites if they are leading the service.

Virtual gatherings will always be a poor substitute for in-person experiences where we can grieve together. However, at this time they are vital to the emotional well-being of all the people impacted by someone’s death.

Please see our post on how to create meaningful spaces to view a virtual funeral, and participate in a virtual shiva service or informal gathering.

Creating a Purposeful Virtual Service Experience

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:11:33 GMT

How to prepare for a Virtual Funeral,

Memorial Service or Zoom Shiva

It is an unavoidable fact that we now live in a video conference world, and it is often a world of casual clothing, or professional tops and sweatpants bottoms. So how do we attend a virtual funeral or virtual shiva in a meaningful way? What decisions can we make to create an experience that is different from the everyday, and honors our need to grieve for someone? We have a few thoughts for making the virtual experience a little more tangible.

Place

Intentionally set yourself up in an area that is specific to this experience. If possible, avoid your typical work setting, or an overly-casual place (i.e., your bed). Maybe you move a chair so you can look out a window at nature, or sit at a table at a different seat than you normally would sit at for a meal.

Dress

Take some time to pick out an outfit you feel honors the memory of the person or creates the right mental space for the service, either because it is a little more formal or because it reminds you of them. You could choose to wear something that reflects one of their passions, a favorite color, something in the style of what they typically wore (a scarf, hat, bowtie, suspenders, brooch, fancy earrings, etc.), or something they gave you.

And, unlike for other online gatherings, consider foregoing the leggings or sweatpants in favor of a full outfit. Putting on shoes that match can make it feel different than a regular day in the house.

Before the service

If you are attending a virtual shiva and may have the opportunity to share a few words, take a few moments to write a sentence or two about what the person meant to you, or a favorite memory you have of them. That will allow you to share it without fumbling for words, and also gives you a chance to see if you need to edit your remarks to make them more concise.

Try to stop whatever you are doing prior to the service and spend a few minutes getting settled in your “spot.” Log in a little early, and maybe spend some time thinking about the person before the service begins.

After the service

Don’t go straight back to work or checking Facebook. Find something to do that takes at least a few minutes to honor the person. Some options:

Sit quietly for a few minutes, taking the time to think about the person and what was said about them.
Call a mutual friend and spend some time talking to them about the person or the service.
Go to the person’s page on the Levinson’s website to leave the family a message about how meaningful the service was, or share a memory that you didn’t want to share during the shiva service. While the public can’t see your email address when you enter it into the memorial book form, the family will receive it when we send them the condolence messages a few weeks after the service.
Take some time to consciously return your furniture to its original location if you rearranged it.
Set some reminders in your calendar over the next few weeks to touch base with the family.
Consider making a contribution in their memory.
Get up and take a walk outside, even if it is only just long enough to take a few deep breaths and walk back into your house.

At Levinson’s, we are constantly working on using technology to enhance a service experience for the family and those who can’t attend, but in an unobtrusive way. COVID has certainly pushed that effort along a little faster, and we are proud of all the ways that family and friends can engage in honoring someone’s life. If you have any questions about the services we provide or how we can accommodate your family’s needs, please contact us and we are happy to help.

Funerals in a Changing World - Free Webinar

32858 (Eliza Feller) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 20:22:01 GMT

Join us for a webinar on "Funerals in a Changing World"

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 1pm

Presenters:

Rabbi Ari J. Goldstein - Temple Beth Shalom, Arnold, MD

Eliza Feller - Director of Advance Planning, Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.

The Jewish community encompasses people of all different backgrounds and observances. There are many ways that funerals or end of life celebrations can take this into account.

Join us to learn about:

Funeral traditions and their evolution
Adaptations to funeral rituals and grief support that our community has made, based on our current COVID reality
Important conversations you should always have with your family, but especially in uncertain times
Advance planning and organizational documents that will help your family

RSVP online by Monday, January 18. Email Eliza Feller with any questions.

Mourning Together: A Virtual Community Gathering

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:47:08 GMT

As a part of our Jewish community, we want to help fill the void of grief created by the pandemic.

The families that Sol Levinson & Bros. has served since the beginning of the pandemic have not been able to sit, grieve, and pray together as a community in the traditional, therapeutic manner in which we have historically sought comfort.

To help families grieve in these unusual times, we invite you to a virtual community-wide memorial service on Thursday, September 10 at 7pm . The memorial will include prayers and rituals led by clergy from local synagogues, followed by a program offering strategies for coping with loss and grief during the Jewish High Holidays.

Scheduled to lead the service and program are:

Rabbi John Franken, Pres., Baltimore Board of Rabbis, Temple Adas Shalom the Harford Jewish Center
Rabbi Andrew Busch, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
Rabbi Steven Schwartz, Beth El Congregation
Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro, Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation
Cantorial Soloist Becca Droller, Temple Isaiah
Matt Levinson, Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.
Rabbi Jessy Dressin, Repair the World Baltimore
Donna Kane MA CT, Grief Clinician, Jewish Community Services

To learn more, and to register go to bit.do/mourning-together

Addiction During Restriction: Families Navigating Recovery in the Time of Covid-19

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 17:48:59 GMT

Battling addiction is difficult. Battling substance abuse during the confines of a pandemic creates new stresses and challenges for those struggling with addiction.

The stress, uncertainty and isolation of the Coronavirus pandemic has created unique risks and challenges for people who have a Substance Abuse Disorder. On September 15 at 7:00 pm, Addiction During Restriction: Families Navigating Recovery in the Time of COVID-19 will provide an opportunity for community members to hear individuals with substance use disorders, family members, and professionals share their recent experiences, the lessons they’ve learned, and resources available during COVID-19.

The free program will take place via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, register at bit.do/sudcovid. Live captioning may be available with 48-hour notice through Maryland Relay Service.

The program is being sponsored as part of National Recovery Month by Jewish Community Services, Beth El Congregation, Sol Levinson and Bros., Inc., Maryland Faith Health Network, Chayeinu, The Larry A. Samet Fund, The Marilyn and David Carp Philanthropic Fund, The Jill Fox Memorial Fund.

Every September, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective, and that people can and do recover. It also serves to reduce the stigma and misconceptions that may discourage others from seeking help.

JCS, a comprehensive human services agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, provides a broad array of services that meet the diverse, multi-dimensional needs of individuals and families throughout Central Maryland. www.jcsbalt.org / 410-466-9200

Grieving During a Pandemic: Tools to Utilize During Covid

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Our mental health is paramount to our well being and becomes even more so as we are isolated from our family and friends during difficult times.

A few months ago, as COVID-19 suddenly took hold of our daily lives, I stood at a graveside funeral with two other people: the son of the deceased and the Rabbi charged with offering the final rites and rituals associated with our traditional burial customs. In the hand of the grieving son was a cell phone, used to live stream the ceremony. The Rabbi spoke about all of the friendships the deceased woman had made throughout her life and still maintained, and of the beautiful family that she raised. All of the people on the other end of the line watching and listening were those who the Rabbi spoke of as loving this woman as she had loved them. This man’s family and friends would have been proud to support him and help him to grieve, had it been possible.

Watching this man sit before me, I wondered, what will he do after the funeral? Where will he go? Will he be left to grieve alone? The answer was, most likely, yes. There was no shiva house for him to return to. COVID-19 has forced us to forgo many of the honored traditions that are meant to help us work through our grief. Our tradition like attending a funeral, helping bury a loved one, and visiting a shiva house - meant to encourage community gathering and to help support families during times of loss - serve very practical roles in the bereavement process. However, now that we are unable to congregate in support of one another, we must be creative in how support is provided. Luckily, there are ways to work around our current limitations.

Our mental health is paramount to our well being and becomes even more so as we are isolated from our family and friends during difficult times. Therefore, whether you are grieving or not, take time for your mind and body to heal and reinvigorate. Things like meditation, using relaxation techniques, physical exercise, reading, and enjoying a good movie are all things that can help us improve our mental well being. Make sure to take the time to engage in one or more of these activities at least once a day.

Taking care of our mental health is important at all times, but what can we do to create some normalcy and maintain tradition now? The use of technology in our everyday lives has become ever more prominent now that we face isolation and quarantines and it can help us continue many of our important, time honored, customs. Although it may fall short of physically sitting with and comforting the bereaved family at a shiva house, a virtual shiva has proven to be a significant support mechanism for families. Families can set up for multiple days of Shiva, have scheduled minyans, and set times for people to “pop-in” to visit, as would happen during a traditional shiva house. Levinson’s can help connect you with the right technology to use.

Additionally, video conferencing has been used successfully for bereavement support groups. Donna Kane, M.A., Grief Clinician at Jewish Community Services, and bereavement group facilitator, says that initially she was concerned that an online bereavement group would not have the same effect and impact that an in-person group usually does. However, as she has held online groups over the last several months through the pandemic, she has found that through video conferencing “people are willing to say things they wouldn’t otherwise say in person.” Sol Levinson & Bros. sponsors several online groups throughout the year facilitated by Jewish Community Services and The Jewish Federation of Howard County.

Creative ways to utilize technology that may bring us closer and help us connect carry greater and greater importance as the pandemic stretches on. One creative way to memorialize a loved one is to create a Virtual Memory Book, a blog, or a webpage about the person who passed away. This creative approach may include pictures, stories, a family tree, and a biography of the individual. Sol Levinson & Bros.’ website provides an excellent platform for friends and family to add pictures, stories, and messages.

Aside from using current technology to help the grieving process, we can still navigate through grief and honor our loved ones in some tangible ways. For example, we can plant a tree in their honor, especially if the person loved spending time outdoors. Prepare a meal that you and your loved one enjoyed together or was a favorite of theirs, which can be both enjoyable and therapeutic. Finally, seek spiritual support, if one is so inclined. This can be immensely important when grieving, but especially when grief is compounded by isolation.

Now, after several months of quarantine and social distancing, we have adapted tools and come up with innovative solutions so that we can help guide families through the process of memorializing their loved one.Technology has allowed families to find different ways to be supported by their community. By engaging in positive mental health exercises, utilizing technology as a bridge to reach our support network, and engaging in therapeutic activities to remember our loved ones, we can help work through grief in a healthy way even during such difficult and trying times.

Please see the following links for articles about this subject:

Psychology Today: How to Cope with Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic

New York Presbyterian Hospital: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/how-to-cope-with-grief-amid-covid-19/

Grief recovery method: tips & suggestions for recovering from grief or even just staying mentally healthy during lockdown and quarantine

Mayo Clinic - Coronavirus grief: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coping-with-coronavirus-grief/art-20486392

Mourning Together: A Virtual Community Gathering

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:58:27 GMT

As a part of our Jewish community, we want to help fill the void of grief created by the pandemic.

Grieving over the loss of a loved one can be difficult at any point in life. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, we are currently forced to grieve under very unusual and trying circumstances. Jewish people have always come together in times of struggle and crisis in order to help and support each other. The families that Sol Levinson & Bros. has served since the beginning of the pandemic have not been able to sit, grieve, and pray together as a community in the traditional, therapeutic manner we have historically sought comfort in.

Please join Rabbis Joshua Gruenberg, Chai Posner, and Jessy Dressin, along with Cantor Ben Ellerin, on Tuesday, May 19, at 7pm for a virtual memorial service that will include memorial prayers and ritual. Additionally, we will read the names of loved ones who have left us during this time. Following the memorial service, Donna Kane, M.A, JCS Grief Clinician, will discuss ways to grieve and cope as the pandemic continues. You are welcome to join for all or part of this gathering.

If you would like to join us, RSVP here . The event will also be live-streamed on the JCS Facebook page .

If you do not want your loved one’s name included in the reading of names, please contact greg@sollevinson.com

During the program, there will be an opportunity to light a memorial candle. If you’d like, we invite you to have a candle nearby to light at the time the officiants invite you to do so, as a communal act of remembrance and togetherness and for your own personal reflection.

We hope that you will join us for a meaningful evening of commemoration, remembrance, and community.

New Educational Program: Ask the Expert discussions in private homes

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:40:42 GMT

Why we are offering this option:
Talking about death and funerals is hard – we understand that – but every day we see the importance of having these difficult discussions ahead of time.

We want to make these conversations easier for you, so you can make things as easy as possible for your family. Some people feel uncomfortable asking questions surrounded by a group of people they don’t know, and we hope this solves that problem.

What it is:
These private gatherings, designed for 4-8 people, offer an informal opportunity to speak with one of our funeral directors who also specializes in advance planning. If you have a wine or book club, mah jongg group, or even a couple of close friends, you can gather in someone’s home to have a relaxed conversation and ask questions that may be a little more personal:

What happens after someone dies?
What does a “Jewish funeral” mean?
How do you want to make a service better reflect you and your life?
What happens if you want a non-traditional service?
What happens if you don’t have a rabbi?

We can answer all these questions, and more.

How it works:
You invite the guests. We provide informational literature and, of course, the expert. We can also provide light snacks, if you wish.

We are flexible on day, time and location, so talk to your potential guests about a few scheduling options, and then get in touch with us to coordinate.

Next steps:

To plan your gathering or get more information, you can reach Eliza Feller, Director of Advance Planning and Funeral Director, at AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com or call 410-653-8900 and ask to speak with Eliza or with Candace Cannon, an Advance Planning Specialist and Funeral Director.

Rebecca Milner King’s Challah Recipe

Greg King, one of Levinson’s funeral directors, was kind enough to share his wife, Rebecca’s, challah recipe with us for the holidays (with Rebecca’s permission, of course)!

This delicious recipe is a great way to introduce children to the joy of cooking, and share in the Jewish tradition of saying the blessing over the challah!

Ingredients:

4 ½ C. warm water
3 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon dry yeast (equivalent of 4 packages dry yeast)
1 ¼ C. sugar plus 2 Tablespoons sugar (separated)

5 lb bag flour

2 Tablespoons salt
6 eggs, room temperature (reserve 2 for egg wash, not needed immediately if freezing the dough)
1 ½ C. oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Gently mix the water, yeast and 2 Tablespoons sugar together and let sit, covered, about 20 minutes till bubbling.

Once bubbling, pour on top the flour, 1 1/4 c sugar, 4 eggs, and oil. You can make a well in the flour as you go.

Knead for about 15 minutes.

Place dough in large bowl. Line bowl with oil. Cover with towel. Let rise in warm place for 1 ½ hours.

If it is your practice, do the mitzvah of taking challah .

Place dough in a large oiled bowl. Turn it over so that the top will be oiled as well. Cover. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

To bake immediately:

Create three equal strands of dough and braid them, pinching the ends together. Put the loaves on greased baking sheets or baking sheets covered with parchment paper. Let rise again until double in size (approximately 1-2 hours).

Gently beat two eggs and the sugar, and brush it over the challah, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes (or until browned). Take out of pan immediately when done and let cool on rack.
If you are freezing them to bake later:

– Create three equal strands of dough and braid them, pinching the ends together. Wrap the braided loaves in foil sprayed with cooking spray. Place in zip lock bags. Freeze.

When you plan to use them, take them out of freezer in the morning and place on a greased baking sheet. Let them defrost and rise. It takes about 4- 5 hours to defrost and rise. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat up 2 eggs with a little sugar. Paint egg wash on challah. Put on toppings of choice. Bake as above.

– Or divide the dough, unbraided, into 5 or 6 ziplock bags (each with enough dough for one loaf.) On the day you want to eat your challah, defrost and let dough come to room temperature. Braid and cover again with towel. Let rise for an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat up 2 eggs with a little sugar. Paint egg wash on challah. Put on toppings of choice. Bake for 35 minutes. Take out of pan immediately when done and let cool on rack.

Prepare your Shabbat or holiday table, placing the challah on a plate or cutting board, and covering it with a special challah cover or napkin. If it is Shabbat, these are the blessings that are typically recited , as well as the order in which to recite them. There are slight variations for specific holidays, and they may be found in most prayerbooks or siddurs. When it is time to say the blessing over the challah, uncover the challah, say the prayer, and enjoy your delicious creation.

Baltimore’s Jewish Genealogy with Sol Levinson & Bros.

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:21:09 GMT

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Interested in your family’s story? Visit our booth at the Pikesville Fall Festival and we can look up information on your family members, to help you fill out your family tree!

Sunday, September 15, 2019

11am to 4pm

**Please note that we cannot provide any sensitive or highly personal information, or information on services that were private at the request of the family.**

Direct any questions to Greg King, Director of Grief Support and Community Education, at 410-653-8900 or greg@sollevinson.com

The Pikesville Fall Festival is an annual event featuring many great vendors, crafts, food, businesses, and more! Performing on the stage will be Noah Stone playing traditional Jewish Music and the Blatant Eighties . More than 70 vendors showcasing jewelry, arts and crafts, retail vendors, plenty of Jewish and American food and beverages, and a children’s area with a moon bounce, face painting, caricaturist and balloon art.

Admission is free. Check for updates on the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce website .

Howard County Bereavement Groups: 2018-2019

News & Events

Life Happens – Jewish Perspectives on Planning for the Future: Leaving a Legacy

Jewish Perspectives on Planning for the Future:

Leaving a Legacy

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019
6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Gordon Center for Performing Arts
Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave.
Owings Mills, MD 21117

SPEAKERS:

Rabbi Daniel Rose, Director, Seasons Jewish Hospice Services
Deborah Hamburger, Esq., Volunteer Coordinator, Jewish Community Services
Donna Kane, M.A., Grief Counselor, Jewish Community Services

THE DISCUSSION WILL COVER:

Leaving a legacy: Articulating what is important to us and how we want to be remembered
Planning for financial, medical and end-of-life matters with loved ones
Creating a comprehensive binder for your family members that will provide them with all the useful information they will need in the event of your death or other emergency.

Attendance is free and open to the community. To register for this session, visit lifebridgehealth.org/lifehappens2019 For more information, contact Robyn Talesnik at 410-559-3606.

Sponsored by:

The Edward A. Myerberg Center

JCC of Greater Baltimore

Jewish Community Services (an Agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore)

LifeBridge Health

Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care

Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc

What is a Yahrzeit?

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:15:45 GMT

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While many people find meaning in marking the anniversary of someone’s death, Judaism is unique in having rituals for this commemoration, from lighting a candle to reciting Mourner’s Kaddish. But are those the only ways to observe a yahrzeit? Where did these rituals begin, and why? Check out the resources and writings we found:

This website provides some basics about what a yahrzeit is, what some Jewish traditions are, and how to find out when to mark a yahrzeit.
This article provides a more detailed overview of the origins of yahrzeit observance and more formal ritual observance.
For those who are looking for a less traditional approach, there is an interesting essay on Ritualwell by a man who created his own ritual for observing a yahrzeit.
If you need to find out a loved one’s yahrzeit date, or you have the Hebrew date and need to know how it corresponds to the English date, our website offers a yahrzeit date tool and you can print out a calendar at home or save a copy.

Whatever type of observance you choose, we hope you will find a ritual which is meaningful to you and serves to make your loved ones’ memories be a blessing.

Retirement Planning: Ask the Expert Luncheon

Looking for the basics on retirement planning?

Join us for a luncheon to learn more!

Thursday, June 13th
12pm
Linwoods
25 Crossroads Drive
Owings Mills, MD

Presenters:

Brian Rubin, CRPC® and Financial Advisor
Benjamin F. Edwards & Co.

Eliza Feller, Director of Advance Planning and Funeral Director
Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee to attend. Attendance by reservation only, and space is limited.

RSVP by Tuesday, June 4th to Levinson’s via: 410-653-8900 or AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com

Sol Levinson & Bros. Advance Planning: Preparation, Education and Peace of Mind

You Want Me to Talk About WHAT?

Planning ahead is something that we are taught to do for most of our lives. We plan for all of life’s major milestones. But planning for a funeral…it is hard to even think about.

If you take a moment to consider all the benefits, you’ll soon understand why several hundred people a year come in to have this important conversation. Have you ever had to plan a funeral? If so, is that something you want your children to have to do for you? Do your children live out of town and have to arrange travel plans as well as handle details of the funeral?

To make this a little easier, we are going to start by answering a few common questions.

I don’t want to think about my own funeral, or even that of a loved one. Why can’t we just deal with this later?
What are the benefits of advance planning for a funeral?
I’m not sick or old. Why should I talk about this depressing subject now?
How does pre-payment work?
We were told we have to spend down a loved one’s assets for Medicaid. What do I do?
What actually happens at an Advance Planning discussion?

I don’t want to think about my own funeral, or even that of a loved one. Why can’t we just deal with this later?

Major life events require advanced planning, but it is easy (maybe even enjoyable) to plan for things that we are looking forward to. Of course, that is not the case for a funeral. No one looks forward to thinking about those details, but unfortunately this life cycle event requires planning just the same. Talking about death and funerals is never easy, but having this conversation ahead of time means that your family won’t have to do it while they also grieve.

What are the benefits of advance planning for a funeral?

Advance planning comes with many emotional, financial, and practical benefits for your family. When you take care of the details yourself, it allows you to protect your family from the burden of guessing at your wishes or making decisions during a very difficult time. Does your family sometimes disagree on things? Having your wishes put down on paper can help to keep peace between family members and allows them to focus on themselves and the grieving process. Knowing whether you want to be dressed in the traditional white burial shroud or your favorite sweater isn’t what your family should have to be concerned about.

“This is the greatest gift I can give my family.”

In addition, one of the most obvious benefits of pre-paying is keeping your family from incurring the cost of the funeral. Funeral prices on average go up 2-4% a year. As someone recently said to us about pre-paying for their funeral, “It’s just common sense.” We’ve also heard “This is the greatest gift I can give my family.” We see that every day when families who have pre-paid just have to call us and schedule a funeral, and then go back to focusing on their family. For families that haven’t pre-paid, they instead need to come in and have one of the hardest conversations in the world, at one of the worst times in their life.

I’m not sick or old. Why should I talk about this depressing subject now?

“It’s just common sense.”

We would argue that this is exactly the time you should be coming in to have this conversation. There’s no hiding the fact that we have seen how unexpected life can be. Having met with families suffering a sudden loss who are left directionless, we cannot overemphasize the importance of having honest conversations (with yourself and your family). We know this is not a fun or enjoyable conversation. However, we are here to help you through this process and make the conversation as easy as possible. Our funeral directors who specialize in Advance Planning are all individuals who sincerely believe they are helping you help your family.

How does pre-payment work?

Selecting the kind of funeral that you want also means that you get to control the cost. Taking the emotional aspect out of planning means you can make practical decisions that work for you and your family. And when you pre-fund your funeral through our special guarantee program, it allows you to lock in all of Sol Levinson’s costs indefinitely. The cost of a funeral goes up about 2% a year, so when someone in their 60s pays for those funeral costs now, they can potentially save their family thousands of dollars.

We were told we have to spend down a loved one’s assets for Medicaid. What do I do?

Pre-paying funeral expenses is one of the main ways for an individual to spend down in order to apply for Medicaid. When you pre-pay their funeral, those funds are no longer counted as their assets, and the financial burden doesn’t fall to your family when the time comes. We have all the proper paperwork for properly protecting assets according to Medicaid regulations.

We will meet with you at the funeral home in Pikesville, in your own home, at our Columbia Arrangement Center, or speak by phone to review important background information (such as statistical information for the death certificate) so your family does not have to search for information at the time of a funeral. Then, we go through all of the funeral options and advise you on any specific cemetery or clergy requirements, or options for alternative services if traditional burial is not in your plans, so you can decide what is best for you. We also talk about any specific requests you may have – a favorite song to be played, burial with your favorite fishing rod, your paintings to be displayed, a particular reading that you absolutely do NOT want read. All of this information is written into an Advanced Planning Guide and we keep a copy on file. This is a no-obligation meeting – no charge to meet with us, and no need to pay us if you aren’t ready to take that step.

The Advance Planning Guide holds all of your personalized information so your family can stay organized and have the resources they need in one centralized location. This guide will funeral-related items such as burial plot information, number of death certificates needed, family information for a death notice, etc., and also other important end of life matters. There is a section to keep contact information for attorneys, accountants, financial planners, keep track of usernames and passwords for online bill payments and social media, insurance and bank account information, and more. It also contains many resources for during and after the funeral such as information on our bereavement programs, unveiling information, tips on setting up a shiva house, and a checklist of places your family may need to notify.

In Conclusion…

We know that most people aren’t thinking about these things as they go about their daily life. However, as funeral directors, we constantly see the benefit of people planning ahead. It’s obvious everytime a daughter doesn’t have to come into the funeral home and select a casket because her mother has already done that very difficult part for her, or when a nephew doesn’t have to pay for his uncle’s funeral because he didn’t have any other family. We understand how difficult this conversation is, but we do everything in our power to make it as easy for you as we can.

Next Steps:

To talk to an Advance Planning specialist about any questions, or to learn more, please email PlanAhead@sollevinson.com or call 410-653-8900. To schedule an appointment, please see our Online Scheduler , call or email us. We are very flexible, so if you do not see a time listed on the online scheduler that works for you, please contact us directly.

Social Security Benefits: Ask the Expert Luncheon

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:59:03 GMT

Confused by Social Security benefits? Tim Barnaba -adjunct professor and teacher of “Understanding Medicare & Social Security” at CCBC – will help us understand the options.

Tuesday, April 9th, 12pm
David Chu’s China Bistro
7105 Reisterstown Road

Lunch is free, but registration is required by April 2 to AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com or 410-653-8900. Kosher dietary rules observed.

Mourner’s Kaddish: Traditions and Alternatives

Jewish mourning practices are designed as a series of steps that allow us to set time aside for grieving and then gradually move forward in a natural progression – shiva for seven days, sheloshim for the first 30 days, then the full year for a child mourning a parent, not to mention the yahrzeit and yizkor services – but why do we do this, and what do people do if they can’t make it to a minyan every day, or if they don’t find meaning or support in the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish?

To begin with, Shiva.com has a brief explainer of the various periods of mourning . As with all religious practices, we strongly encourage you to have an open conversation with your rabbi about your needs and the options, within your level of observance. Judaism is unusual in that it has a defined set of mourning practices in order to help the bereaved transition back into “normal” life, without feeling they have to jump back in after a few days. Many people find this series of steps gives them the freedom to fully grieve, without having to put on a false front to the rest of the world.

While most rabbis would encourage you to go to shul on a regular basis to be in community as you remember your loved one, perhaps you can find a way to incorporate your own spiritual practices into that process. Rabbi Dana Saroken, of Beth El Congregation, believes in the healing power power of reciting kaddish as a part of a community. She shared, “I always encourage people, even if the words don’t feel fluid or natural or they aren’t regular ‘shul-go-ers,’ to try attending a minyan on a regular basis. The Jewish tradition is that we recite kaddish for immediate family for a month for a child, sibling, or spouse and for 11 months (minus a day) for a parent. I have found that when people make time in their lives to channel their grief, especially among a community of people who understand what it feels like to experience love and loss – they have structure in their journey through grief and also tend to emerge from that time feeling more ‘ready’ to re-enter the world of the living when their period of mourning comes to an end. Whether it’s daily or weekly – creating a fixed time for connecting to G-d, to others, and to the presence and memory of our loved ones – is a precious opportunity and it matters.” Rabbi Saroken also shared that, “People can use the mourner’s kaddish to focus on the words that praise G-d (even in moments of loss) or they can spend their time bringing to mind a memory/memories of their loved one. Sometimes, I just think of the rhythmic recitation of the prayer as a heartbeat or an umbilical cord that continues to connect us to the person that we love.”

It is also helpful to understand exactly why these Jewish practices have come to be, before making a decision about your own practice. This article in the Forward makes some important points about What Judaism Teaches Us About Grief and Loss . And this post from the ritualwell website encourages people through the process of saying Kaddish, from the perspective of someone who initially struggled to even pronounce all the words.

If saying Kaddish is not for you, it may be helpful to find other ways to incorporate the set periods of mourning into your routine, even if you choose not to attend synagogue to say Kaddish. If your family is only having shiva for a few days, you may still want to find some way to mark the full shiva period whether by spending your evenings at home with family sharing memories of the person, by making some of their favorite recipes, or by doing something like not listening to music or not watching tv for those seven days. If you are not attending a minyan but you’re looking for something a little more formal, Judaism encourages study of a text such as Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of Our Fathers), for the appropriate length of the mourning period, taking time to consciously think about your loved one before you begin.

If these more traditional approaches still do not meet your needs and you are looking for a way to honor the traits of someone you loved by creating a spiritual practice, the ritualwell website has a helpful post on this topic . Ritualwell also has an entire section dedicated to Mourning and Bereavement , where you can find poems, stories, ritual guidance and more. One suggestion would be to dedicate yourself to 30 days or a year (for a parent) of silent meditation each morning, dedicated to thoughts and memories of your loved one. Also, many people choose to begin a volunteer project for a cause their loved one supported, start an awareness project in their memory, or get involved in an organization that meant something to their loved one.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that it reflects your needs and supports you as you move through this journey.

Tips for Cleaning a Relative’s Home, Downsizing for a Move, or Decluttering to Help Your Family

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:54:59 GMT

Have you ever faced the overwhelming challenge of cleaning out a loved one’s home for a move to a smaller place or a nursing home, or felt rushed to do this after their death?

It can seem insurmountable, especially if you are grieving their death or juggling their healthcare needs, as well as your own family and work life. Several recent articles provide suggestions and resources for these situations, as well as tips for decluttering your own home so that this burden does not fall on your own children.

Cleaning out a relatives home: Many people have heard of Marie Kondo, or the KonMari Method, where you go through all of your items and consider whether they “spark joy.” This is a helpful method for going through someone else’s items to make hard decisions. Check out this article for suggestions on how to follow this approach. Some people also choose to contact a home or estate clean-out company to help handle this task.
Cleaning out your own home:
- Marie Kondo also promotes her method to encourage people to clean up their homes before someone else has to do it for them. Tips for going through the process with your own items using this approach can be found in this article .
- Another approach comes from a book titled “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” which some people find less daunting than the KonMari Method. It may sound like an odd title, but it is a straight-forward and often funny book by Margareta Magnusson that provides encouragement and tips for people who may be downsizing. It is also beneficial to those who are point in their life where they want to reevaluate their possessions and how they want to ease the burden on their own children. This article talks about her approach , which involves taking your time to gently regard the objects in your home, consider their value to you and your family beyond just their nostalgic value, and make decisions based on that.
Paperwork: One other suggestion for cleaning up that Sol Levinson & Bros. can be of assistance with is tackling paperwork. We have experienced firsthand the dread in people’s voices when they realize they have to go through someone’s whole office – or even just a file cabinet – to find important details about wills, birth certificates, insurance policies, and bank accounts. That’s why when you come in to discuss Advance Planning with us we provide you with a personalized resource called the Levinson’s Advance Planning Guide. This guide contains a simple, easy-to-find space to write down all the important information for your family. It’s kind of like a summary of your personal affairs. The added benefit is that we also gather important information ahead of time, and ask you the questions we need to so that your family does not have to also be burdened with those tasks at the time of your death. There is no charge for our time to meet with you and there is no obligation to pre-pay (though that is yet another thing you could do for your family ahead of time to make things easier on them).

Whichever cleaning method you choose, be sure to let family know in case they want a particular item you may not have been aware of. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with us and get your personalized Levinson’s Advance Planning Guide, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 410-653-8900 or use our Online Appointment Scheduler to pick a time that works for you.

Who Typically Serves as a Pallbearer?

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:51:47 GMT

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In Jewish tradition, immediate mourners (spouse, children, siblings) typically do not serve as pallbearers, but in-laws, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, close family friends, et cetera, may serve. Your level of observance will determine whether men and women, or just men, can serve as pallbearers. Please ask your rabbi if you have questions.

For services in our chapel, we will call pallbearers by name and give them instructions at the end of the service (at graveside services they are not called by name, they meet at the hearse to receive instructions).

Active pallbearers (5-10 people) physically lift and carry the casket at the funeral home and again at the cemetery, and must be able to lift. For services in our chapel you may also have honorary pallbearers. If you have more than 10 people to be pallbearers, or people unable to physically lift, you may make them honorary pallbearers and they will stand in the aisle of the chapel at the end of the service in the funeral home. Fraternal groups or charitable guilds should be acknowledged as honorary pallbearers.

2018 Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces

For the 5th year in a row, Sol Levinson & Bros. is thrilled to have been nominated as one of Baltimore’s Top Workplaces! This honor is always especially meaningful to us, as it is a result of a survey of our employees.

You can check out the list of this year’s Top Workplaces here , but we thought we’d also share a few things our great team members have to say about working at Levinson’s:

• “Sol Levinson & Bros. has taken the time to get to know me, encouraging my creativity and involving me in projects where I can use my talents, learn and grow. I feel good about working for a company that not only provides an incredibly important service to the community, but also provides an atmosphere for employees to develop their skills and derive meaning from their work.”

“Even though I’m not a part of the Levinson family, I feel like I am. This is a wonderful place to work.”

• “I love the opportunity to help people get through a difficult time, and it’s nice to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

• “At Levinson Bros, I work with great people, I’m listened to, and I make a good living doing a fascinating array of things on a daily basis.”

• “I have the chance to work with great, caring people, and we all genuinely care about the jobs we do. We are a tight-knit group, and we all do our best to deliver the highest level of service and professionalism to our families. I think it is our own strong support system that enables us to give the very best service to the community.”

• “The greatest thing about working here is being able to interact with and help families at a difficult time. And I love my co-workers.”

“What I love most about my job is that I work with people who share my passion for service, and compassion for the families we serve.”

• “I feel appreciated being a source of comfort and a friend to families during a difficult time.”

• “I find a great deal of fulfillment helping people make one of the most difficult times of their life a little easier.”

• “I love that my work allows me to help grieving families by treating them with compassion.”

• “I find satisfaction in being able to help families through a difficult time, especially since I have long-lasting relationships with many families from my upbringing in Pikesville.”

• “I enjoy the people I work with, and the feeling of being part of a business that gives back to the community.”

• “I am honored by the trust that people place in me to take care of their precious loved ones.”

“Sometimes it’s the little things that go a long way. I can help these people who are going through a terrible time right now, and it’s one less thing they have to worry about. It may not be much for me, but for them, it can mean a lot.”

• “I really enjoy taking care of the families we serve. I also like working for the Levinson Family because they take care of us and I find it enjoyable to come to work.”

• “I appreciate being able to help families at a difficult time in their lives, and I am grateful to the Levinsons for giving us the freedom to help families to the best of our ability.”

Are you a compassionate, service-oriented, detail-oriented and team-oriented individual, even if you come from a completely different background? We would love to hear more about you. Send a resume to humanresources@sollevinson.com and, if we don’t currently have an opening, we will be in touch when we find a fit.

Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation or gender, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state or local law.

Tuesday, January 15
12pm
Eggspectation, Ellicott City

Join us to learn about Medicare Supplement from Tim Barnaba, adjunct professor and teacher of “Understanding Medicare and Social Security” at CCBC, and Founder and President of Barnaba Insurance & Financial Services.

Eliza Feller, Levinson’s Director of Advance Planning, will briefly discuss the benefits of the Levinson’s Advance Planning Guide.

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee to attend. Attendance by reservation only. Space is limited.

Registration is required by January 7 to AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com or 410-653-8900.

Why Do Pallbearers Sometimes Stop on the Way to the Grave?

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:47:48 GMT

As Jews, we believe it is our duty to accompany the deceased to the cemetery for burial, as the Hebrew word for funeral is “levaya,” which literally means “escorting.” Burying the dead is one of the biggest mitzvahs that we can complete, because we know that there is no way for that person to ever repay us for this act. But have you ever wondered why we sometimes make several brief stops while carrying the casket from the hearse to the grave?

We’ve reached out to a couple of local Rabbis to ask what their take on this tradition is. Rabbi Chai Posner, of Beth Tfiloh Congregation, believes that – much like using the back of the shovel to place earth in the grave – it shows reluctance. Rabbi Posner is quoted saying, “It shows that we are hesitant. It is a balance between a mitzvah and hesitation that we don’t want to be burying them. It makes what we are doing very intentional – just like using the back of the shovel.” We also reached out to Rabbi Susan Grossman of Beth Shalom Congregation in Columbia, who had a another approach to this sacred act. Rabbi Grossman says, “We stop seven times, one for each day of the week, to represent creation. We honor the deceased by stopping seven times because each individual represents the full potential of creation.”

Both of these explanations provide a deep insight to the Jewish views of death and burial, meant to give mourners some comfort during a very difficult time. Of course, like anything else in Judaism, we have heard several other explanations throughout the years, and we always recommend that you reach out to your own rabbi to see what their beliefs are.

What to Do and Say at a Shiva House

When someone we know loses a loved one it is our instinct to comfort them, whether that is with words, food, or a hug. Often times, we find ourselves at a loss for what to say, or accidentally saying the wrong thing, even though our intentions are well-meaning. There are several do’s and don’ts when it comes to comforting mourners and, specifically, attending a shiva house. Read on for more information on what is appropriate and helpful during someone’s mourning period.

Beginning with the universal comfort, food is always welcome at a shiva house. The last thing anyone who is grieving should have to concern themselves with is cooking (for themselves or their guests). You should be sure to find out in advance if it is a Kosher home so as not to send anything that can’t be eaten. Any food should also be easy to serve and not have to be prepared (things like deli trays, bagels, and dessert trays are always good options). You might also consider sending them a credit or gift card to a restaurant or deli that they can use at a later date, since they may be inundated with food trays in the early days.

If you are looking for things to do to help, any cleaning up or regular household chores will always go a long way in making things easier for the family. Doing dishes or cleaning the kitchen is the most obvious. Taking the trash and recycling out is another chore that sometimes gets ignored until the end of the evening once it is overflowing. Depending on how close you are with the family, you could even consider something like cutting the grass if it needs it in the morning before anyone arrives. Of course you don’t want want to overstep but, based on your relationship, you can determine how involved you should get. If you are tasked with helping to set up or organize the shiva house, check out our page with tips to setting up a shiva house. Try to anticipate their needs instead of asking “What can I do to help”, because they probably do not know what they need.

Try to avoid saying things like, “I know how you feel,” “When my mother died…,” or “At least they didn’t suffer.” The truth is you really do not know how they feel, or if they suffered, even if you also lost your mother recently to the same illness. Mourning is an extremely personal experience and no one knows what someone else goes through when they lose someone. Instead, tell them how sorry you are for their loss, be there to listen or sit quietly with them. If you are struggling with what to say, it is important to share memories of the deceased, or times the mourner told you a story about that person. You should also avoid cliches like, “He is in a better place,” “She lived a long life,” or “Time heals all wounds.” In the mind of a mourner, there is no better place for their loved one to be than with them and, even if their mother was 98, no life is long enough. There is also no time limit on someone’s grief. According to Carla Sofka, Professor of Social Work at Siena College, “We grieve, five or ten minutes a time, for the rest of our lives.” ( womensrabbinicnetwork.wordpress.com ).

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a mourner is just quietly and be there with them. Let them do the talking if they feel like it. Hug them, tell them how sorry you are, and continue to be there when shiva is over. It is important to remember that once everyone else has gone back to their normal lives, they are left to navigate a new life without their loved one. Remember to extend an arm and offer comfort once life has moved on for everyone else.

Twilight in the Woods

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:39:45 GMT

The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD, 21044
Sunday, November 4

5pm (registration begins at 4:30pm; the event will be held rain or shine.)

Join us as we light up the night in honor of those we have loved and lost, including those fallen heroes who have proudly served our country and community. This outdoor event will provide a time for reflection and remembrance, and will embrace attendees in a warm, meaningful glow.

There is no fee to attend this event. If you would like to purchase a luminary to honor your loved one(s), there is a cost of $10 per luminary.

To register for the event, please contact Gilchrist at 443-849-8251. Please register by Monday, October 29, 2018.

Sponsored by Gilchrist, Sol Levinson & Bros., and Inner Arbor Trust, Inc.

Caregiver Challenges & Resources Luncheon

Join us for this informative presentation by Jewish Community Services, to cover the challenges facing those who care for aging family members and learn about helpful resources to ease this burden.

Eliza Feller, Levinson’s Director of Advance Planning, will briefly discuss the benefits of the Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018
12pm
Tark’s Grill, 2360 W Joppa Rd #116, Lutherville-Timonium

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee to attend. Attendance by reservation only. Space is limited.

RSVP by November 23 to Levinson’s via:
410-653-8900 or AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com

Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body: Columbia Luncheon

Physical health & exercise, diet & nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement – join us to hear from a representative of the Alzheimer’s Association who will provide the latest research on how to live a full, vibrant, healthy life.

Eliza Feller, Levinson’s Director of Advance Planning, will briefly discuss the benefits of the Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

Thursday, November 8, 2018
12pm
Victoria Gastro Pub
8201 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee to attend. Attendance by reservation only. Space is limited.

RSVP by October 23 to Levinson’s via:
410-730-7230 or AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com

Life Happens: Jewish Perspectives on Aging and Planning for the Future

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:30:57 GMT

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The Gordon Center for the Performing Arts
3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, MD, 21117
Tuesday, Oct. 30
6:30-8:30 p.m.

SPEAKERS:

Rabbi Dana Saroken, Beth El Congregation
Deborah Hamburger, Esq., Volunteer Coordinator, Jewish Community Services

THE DISCUSSION WILL COVER:
Jewish perspectives on aging and end of life.
Planning for financial, medical and end-of-life matters with loved ones.

Learn how to create a comprehensive binder for your family members that will provide them with all the useful information they will need in the event of your death or other emergency.

Attendance is free and open to the community. To register for this session, visit lifebridgehealth.org/lifehappens or call 410-601-WELL.

This event is co-sponsored by Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., Jewish Community Services, the Jewish Community Center of Baltimore, Lifebridge Health, Edward A. Myerberg Center, and North Oaks.

Why Advance Planning?

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:27:30 GMT

Advance Planning is the number one thing you can do to make the funeral process easier for your family.

Why Advance Planning?

Advance planning allows your family to spend the time after someone’s death focusing on grief and healing, instead of funeral particulars.

What is Advance Planning?

Advance Planning is deciding ahead of time what your wishes are for your funeral or that of a loved one. We are here to make this conversation as easy as possible. There is no obligation to pay anything, and no fee for the appointment.

How does it work?
Simply schedule a time to meet with or speak by phone with one of the funeral directors who specializes in advance planning. When you meet with us face-to-face, we will provide you with a detailed and personalized Pre-Planning Guide that includes all the information regarding your funeral selections, as well as helpful resources to help you get organized and to make the time surrounding the funeral much easier for your family. If you make arrangements with us by phone, we can email you a copy of your Pre-Planning Guide.

Pre-paying comes with the obvious benefit of your family not having to come up with funds or worry about finances while grieving, and we would be happy to discuss our various payment options to pre-pay some or all of the funeral. However, we feel it is most important that you start the process and put your wishes on paper.

To learn more or start filling out a Begin Planning Form, please visit our website . If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us or call 410-653-8900.

Contemporary Guide to Visiting Cemeteries

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:24:02 GMT

What is the Jewish religious/historical background of cemeteries and the purpose of having an established burial place marked with a person’s name?
If we don’t believe the person is “there,” what significance does a person’s burial place hold?
Especially in this age of people moving away from their hometown, why are cemeteries still important?
What are the traditional rituals or readings to recite at a cemetery, and why?
What are some creative new options for making a visit to the cemetery more meaningful, both for adults and children?

As our society evolves, how can we find meaning and purpose in our visit to the grave of a loved one? It can be difficult in our busy lives to find time to visit the cemetery, especially when many feel that the person is not really there in any tangible way. We spoke with several area rabbis to get their feedback about the traditional roots of the concept of a cemetery, as well as approaches you can take to visiting, and contemporary rituals you can perform to create a visit that is personally meaningful for you and your family.

The first thing to be said is that approaches, of course, vary based on a person’s level of observance and we always encourage you to ask your rabbi about options for visiting the cemetery. However, when it comes down to it, the visit is about you and your connection to the person who is buried there. This guide seeks to help strengthen that connection through visiting the cemetery. To that end, we are including responses from Rabbi Andrew Busch of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Rabbi Jessy Dressin who is Senior Director of Jewish Learning and Life at the JCC, Rabbi Steven Schwartz of Beth El Congregation, and Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro of Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah.

What is the Jewish religious/historical background of cemeteries and the purpose of having an established burial place marked with a person’s name?

It is important to note that the tradition of having an established burial place goes back to the very first Jew, Abraham, who – as Rabbi Shapiro notes – went through a lot of hoops to pick the right location for a family place of burial. Rabbi Schwartz also points out that in Genesis 35:19-20, Jacob sets a stone to mark the place where Rachel is buried, and there is also an emphasis that “the dust returns to the earth as it was…” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). In the Talmud they even refer to a grave stone as a “nefesh” or soul.

The Jewish burial process is driven by the concept of “kavod hamet” or respect for the dead. This is interpreted as treating a deceased person as if they were still alive, including not delaying burial unnecessarily. To Rabbi Busch, the establishment of a cemetery fulfills kavod hamet in several ways – by providing for a respectful burial ground, by providing for the community, and by ensuring that everyone has an appropriate burial place regardless of their wealth. It also connects a family to their history in a particular community.

If we don’t believe the person is “there,” what significance does a person’s burial place hold?

Traditional Judaism believes that a spiritual remnant of the deceased- a connection to their soul remains forever at the grave. But depending upon one’s beliefs, many feel the person is no longer there at the cemetery in any tangible way. So why do we still go to the cemetery, if we don’t think it is any different than another space in regard to that individual? To begin with, a cemetery is still considered a holy place, due to the aforementioned concept of kavod hamet. It is the final resting place of a person’s body that was created in the image of G-d and that carried their soul through its earthly journey. Several of the rabbis mentioned that the sacredness or holiness of the space can enhance a visitor’s connection to the person. Rabbi Dressin reflects that a cemetery visit allows you to “think of them with special intentionality” given that the act of going to the cemetery can create a container of sorts of a specific moment in time. Therefore, by going to a designated place, that may be different than how you think about that person as you go along your daily routine.

There are also some important traditional reasons to visit a cemetery. It is customary to visit at holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and yahrzeits. Visiting a cemetery at certain milestones throughout the year is, as Rabbi Shapiro mentions, a way of continuing the relationship with that person and extending the concept of kavod hamet. You can even go and talk to the person and share news of family life such as weddings and births. It is also customary to visit at a time of need, whether you believe in the traditional view that prayer at a cemetery will allow your loved one to intercede with G-d on your behalf or you just need a quiet, meditative place to have that person in your mind when you are going through a difficult time. Some people go to the cemetery to have a focused place to talk about their issues out loud and feel they are sharing them with a loved one who is no longer physically present in their lives.

Especially in this age of people moving away from their hometown, why are cemeteries still important?

As stated at the beginning, cemeteries create a community space for burial and a sense of community history. Rabbi Schwartz points out that establishing a cemetery is typically one of the first things a community does to honor the dead and show “that a community has roots.” He also mentions that “it is comforting to have a known location where a body lies interred.” Rabbi Busch echoes this by saying that “even though they may end up moving…there is still some place to visit or to know that someone is taken care of, physically and metaphorically.”

For those who are unsure of where to be buried because their family lives in several different places, it is important to keep in mind whether you want to be buried in the community where you spent your life or, possibly, as Rabbi Shapiro mentioned, “why not be buried somewhere else, like near your children or other relatives, if nobody is going to come back to where you live. Ask yourself what would give your family the greatest peace of mind.” For some there is also some reassurance in knowing that, no matter where your family may move or eventually end up, a person has been given a final resting place.

What are the traditional rituals or readings to recite at a cemetery, and why?

Psalms are traditionally read at the cemetery and were meant to be a form of meditation. Often the 23rd Psalm is read. Some people also choose to recite El Maleih (the Memorial Prayer) and the Mourner’s Kaddish. These readings emphasize the traditional nature of a cemetery, which is – in Rabbi Shapiro’s words – a “place of contemplation, thought, and reflection.”

If you are not familiar with Mourner’s Kaddish and would like to practice it before going to the cemetery, the Hebrew and transliteration, as well as an audio recording, can be found on our website . All of the other readings can be found on this downloadable .pdf or by picking up one of our blue “Prayers of Comfort” books.

What are some creative new options for making a visit to the cemetery more meaningful, both for adults and children?

Rabbi Dressin emphasizes that “it is important to get over the barriers to going to the cemetery. There isn’t a rule about how you should feel when you visit a cemetery, and there are few restrictions about what you can or cannot do.” She encourages people to “think intentionally about the visit and create the necessary space to feel their presence or your sense of loss.”

As you plan your visit to the cemetery, Rabbi Dressin recommends asking yourself the following questions:

What is the mood I want at my visit?
What did that person like to do in life? Did they always read the paper? Bring a newspaper and read it to them (Rabbi Busch had a former congregant who would read the entire paper to his father every Sunday).
What do YOU do for comfort? Do you like to knit? Draw? Color? Journal? Bring those items and sit at the grave and do those things.

Rabbi Dressin also recommends the following activities: Share stories with other family who goes with you, especially with those who didn’t know the person as well. Think of things you liked to do with the person and reminisce about those things while there – if you did crossword puzzles together, bring a crossword puzzle. Bring a special stone with you, either a certain color or type of stone, a stone from your yard or vacation or that person’s favorite place. You can also have young children paint small river rocks and then spray with shellac to be left at the grave; or, if you are having a child make a craft for Mother’s or Father’s Day, have the child make an extra and take the child to leave it at the grave. If appropriate, bring another object – sculpt their favorite animal from playdoh, bring a pack of cards, a small figurine of a favorite object or animal. Pick a poem or song lyrics that remind you of the person and read it at the grave. If the visit to a cemetery is uncomfortable or too overwhelming to contemplate, consider keeping it short and planning a small family gathering for a bite to eat afterward, where you can sit in a more relaxed environment and talk about the person.

Rabbi Busch recommends singing a song the deceased liked, at the grave, which is an especially good way for a child to feel included. Or a child could sing their own favorite song. Rabbi Busch also suggests reading a poem or simply talking to your loved one. For Rabbi Schwartz, a nice way to bring more meaning to the visit would be to write a message to your loved one in advance and leave it at the grave, perhaps under a special rock. He also likes the idea of marking the occasion by having someone say a few words about the person.

Rabbi Shapiro encourages people to visit at difficult times and perhaps take some poems or meaningful meditations. He has seen people take solace in readings he refers to as “contemporary Psalms” such as the poem, “We Remember Them” and “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.” While there is also a Jewish tradition not to turn the burial place into a type of idol to the person’s memory, Rabbi Shapiro also looks forward to how technology may one day be incorporated into monuments in order to provide information about a person’s life history or a slideshow for future generations to learn more about the person and feel connected.

How can your family create meaningful new rituals to make your visit to the cemetery more impactful? What does visiting the cemetery mean to you and your family? How does visiting the cemetery connect us to our family history and Jewish history? All of these are important questions to ask before your next visit. We hope this guide has offered a starting point for your contemplation.

Family Caregiver Resources

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 18:05:05 GMT

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 72% of families are providing care for adults who are 50 or older. That number will continue to grow as our baby boomer generation ages. Being a caregiver can be a daunting undertaking, but here is an article from Hadassah about the importance of caregivers taking care of themselves. There has even been publicity recently about Millenials becoming caregivers .

Here are some links to some resources that we hope you will find helpful:

Medicaid Spend-down: Ask the Expert Luncheon

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:54:57 GMT

What is Medicaid spend-down? Is it for me? How do I spend down my assets in an acceptable way?

Join us to hear from Jason Frank, Esq., professor of Elder Law at University of Baltimore Law School, Towson University, The Johns Hopkins University, the MSBA Continuing Education Program, and the University of Maryland School of Law.

Eliza Feller, Levinson’s Pre-Planning Manager, will briefly discuss the benefits of the Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

Tuesday, June 12
12-1pm
Eggspectation
10209 Grand Central Ave #126, Owings Mills

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee, but attendance is by reservation only.

Space is limited. RSVP by Friday, June 8 to Sol Levinson & Bros. via 410-653-8900 or AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com

Why Advance Planning?

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Why Advance Planning?

Advance planning allows your family to spend the time after someone’s death focusing on grief and healing, instead of funeral particulars.

What is Advance Planning?

To learn more or start filling out a Begin Planning Form, please visit our website . If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us or call 410-653-8900.

Veterans’ Funeral and Burial Benefits

Tue, 15 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know that there are several benefits that veterans of the United States military are entitled to for their burials? There are both ceremonial and financial benefits available to any veterans that have served our country and were honorably discharged.

You may have attended a funeral that had a flag draped over the casket, heard the moving sounds of a bugler playing Taps at the cemetery, and then witnessed the flag being folded and presented to a mourner on behalf of our grateful country. It can be a powerful and meaningful moment in what is already a very emotional experience.

If you wish have military honors at your own or a loved one’s funeral, all you need to provide to your funeral director is what is known as form DD-214. This form states that the veteran has been honorably discharged from his or her service and is eligible for an honor guard to be present at the funeral. There is no charge for this service and it is something that Levinson’s will coordinate on your behalf with the United States military. If you have already pre-planned your funeral with Levinson’s, we can keep this document on file to present at the time of burial. If you do not have access to the DD-214, you can obtain one by going to this web site or by contacting the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800.

There are also several financial benefits that are provided to veterans for their burials. For example, every veteran who has been honorably discharged (and their spouse) is entitled to a grave at a state veterans cemetery at no charge. The veteran is also entitled to a free lining in the grave, a grave marker, and the opening and closing of the grave at no charge (spouses of veterans are entitled to extreme discounts for these items). Burial at a veterans cemetery does sometimes entail a little bit of a wait for interment and our funeral directors can provide you some information on that. Families of veterans can be reimbursed (up to a certain amount) for the cost of a grave at another cemetery, as well as for some funeral expenses. These amounts vary and to receive them the family must apply directly to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs after the veteran’s death by going to their website or calling 1-800-827-1000.

Membership in Jewish War Veterans of America (JWV) also provides benefits. Members of JWV will provide a ceremony (upon request) that involves standing at attention in front of a casket in our chapel, and they will also serve as honorary pallbearers. According to jvw.org “The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is an American Jewish veterans’ organization created in 1896 by Civil War veterans to prove that Jews have proudly served this country since the Revolutionary Era.” The JWV works to help preserve veterans’ healthcare, as well as benefits for their caregivers, and can even help to provide service dogs to veterans in need. For more information about how to join or donate to the JWV please visit their website .

For more information about veterans’ benefits related to the funeral, please give us a call or schedule a time to sit down and speak with one of our funeral directors.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Ask the Expert Luncheon

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 19:53:00 GMT

Eliza Feller, Levinson’s Pre-Planning Manager, will briefly discuss the benefits of the Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018
12-1pm
Linwoods
25 Crossroads Drive, Owings Mills

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee to attend. Attendance by reservation only. Space is limited.

RSVP by Monday, May 7
to Levinson’s via:
410-653-8900 or AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com

Passover, Jews and Israel: A Journey of Purpose

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 19:48:00 GMT

Greg King, Funeral Director, shared with us his reflections on the connections between the Passover holiday and a recent trip with The Associated to Israel: At the Passover season, as we sit with our families at the seder table, we are reminded, even fixated, on the struggle of the Jewish people … Continue reading →

Greg King, Funeral Director, shared with us his reflections on the connections between the Passover holiday and a recent trip with The Associated to Israel:

At the Passover season, as we sit with our families at the seder table, we are reminded, even fixated, on the struggle of the Jewish people as slaves under Pharaoh. We consider how difficult it must have been under brutal, totalitarian rule. We reflect on how Moses repeatedly had to show Pharaoh the error of his ways until the unrelenting despot was shown, once and for all – as the Red Sea parted and then crashed in on him and his army – the overwhelming power of G-d. As well, we remember how Moses led them out of Egypt and into the desert only to roam for 40 years. However, discussed far less, if not almost completely forgotten, is that Passover is as much about a people as it is about the characters that make up the story. In fact, it is not just about the people but the journey these group-minded individuals took, and its purpose: to live in the Land of Israel as Jews.

A few weeks ago, along with roughly 20 men ages 32-42, my colleague, Matthew Levinson, and I embarked on a weeklong journey of our own to Israel, coordinated by The Associated. All of us live and work in the Baltimore metropolitan area, and all are Jewish husbands and fathers, but come from different backgrounds and different careers. Some of us had visited Israel in the past but many others had never been. Much like the ancient Israelites, we also had a purpose for travelling to Israel. Collectively, our journey – much less weighty than that of the Jews fleeing Pharaoh’s oppression – was meant to learn about Israel and what The Associated is doing to promote and support the Jewish homeland.

The trip was not your typical sightseeing tour of Israel. Instead of visiting classic Israeli historic sites like Masada or submerging ourselves in the Dead Sea, we were guided through extensive and enlightening tours of the Gaza border area and West Bank settlements by IDF experts whose decades-long careers were deeply enmeshed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This afforded an amazing and different insight into a conflict so complex and layered it could only be truly understood through the optics provided by these experts. Through their perspective, we learned about the devastating effect of Hamas’ terrorist tunnel system and corrupt governance. As we physically walked parts of the Gaza border, I began to understand the importance of The Associated’s support of the city of Ashkelon, Baltimore’s sister city in Israel, which lies dangerously close to the Gaza border and has seen its share of Hamas rockets. While in Ashkelon, we met with a former collegiate lacrosse player from New York who has made Aliyah. He now captains the Israeli national lacrosse team and runs a program that teaches the sport to Israeli youth. We had the privilege to visit and play lacrosse with the kids that he teaches. Jacob, the founder and director of the program, has a goal to make lacrosse the Israeli national sport and to draw youth into the sport along the way. We were also taught to paddleboard in the Mediterranean Sea by instructors who volunteer with a program called HaGal Sheli, which teaches at-risk youth how to surf and then encourages them to apply those lessons in order to get them back into school with renewed confidence and life-skills. Another program supported by The Associated, called Project Leket, is designed to help support the National Food Bank. The Associated, along with other Jewish agencies, supports the farm, which grows food strictly for food donation programs. On this day, we picked oranges along with a group of engineers from Hewlett Packard. The oranges we picked will help feed over 250 families.

After a few days touring the Gaza border and the Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert, our bus meandered through the Valley of Elah. It was here that David – choosing little armor, swift and nimble – slew the lumbering giant, Goliath. Our journey then took us on to the holy city of Jerusalem. Upon entering the ancient city, our first stop was Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum. Here we were reminded of our all-too-recent tragic past and how essentially critical the existence of Israel is to the survival of the Jewish people. The Holocaust stands as a grievous yet poignant example of the dire need for agencies like The Associated, if not for any other reason, to continue its mission to aid and support Israel and the Jewish people as a whole.

As the week ended, I began to think about our own small journey and how it could possibly relate to Passover. More specifically, how can what we witnessed and learned be looked at through the lens of the Exodus? What I see is simple. The Jewish people, who fled slavery for what they saw as a better life, are not much different than the Jewish people who live in Israel today. Like the ancient Jewish people, Israelis today are willing to take the hard road. Living in Israel is not as easy as living here in the United States. Creature comforts abound in the U.S. In Israel you live with far less. As they fled Egypt, the Jewish people took very little, leaving behind most, if not all, of their possessions. As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, they met with many foes, constantly under threat from the different kingdoms and tribes they encountered along the way. In modern Israel military service is compulsory, maintaining a constant state of readiness as a people, to be ready to fight the existential threat that has loomed large since Israel’s very beginnings 70 years ago…and long before. The ancient Jews of antiquity travelled through the desert with a purpose. Their purpose was to reach the Land of Israel where they could be free to be Jews. The modern Israeli’s purpose is not too far removed from that original goal. Israelis sacrifice, living under a constant state of threat and awareness, and refuse to take no for an answer. The modern Israeli is willing to live under these conditions for a singular purpose just like the ancient Jewish people that travelled such a great distance so long ago through the Sinai; to live and preserve the Jewish life that has been promised to them for so many millennia.

However, this epic 40-year journey by a bedraggled group of former slaves could not have come to its conclusion without help along the way. The Torah discusses at length the divine assistance provided by G-d as the Jews travelled through the desert but, undoubtedly, if you believe that man is inherently good, the ancient sojourners were provided help along the way by regular people who saw an exhausted, starving, and desperate group that simply needed a helping hand. Maybe it was just offering shelter from the harsh desert heat. Possibly it was allowing access to an oasis that only a local resident would know existed. Whatever the act of chesed (lovingkindness) was, the Jewish people would have likely withered away in the desert had it not been for those acts of kindness to keep them hopeful and alive. We can point to innumerable examples since those ancient times when Jews have needed help to survive as a people. Today, we have organizations like The Associated whose mission is to help Jewish people every day. Whether it is a surfing program for at-risk youth in Tel Aviv, a youth lacrosse program for underprivileged children, a gleaning program to provide food for needy families, or an outreach program which seeks to bridge the divide between Jewish settlers and Palestinians, The Associated is helping Israelis fulfill the same purpose that the ancient Israelites intended. That purpose is still alive in Israel today. Just as those kind local desert dwellers must have assisted the Jews so desperately lost in the desert for 40 years, The Associated is helping people fulfill their own purpose in Israel and around the world.

What Happens to Social Media Accounts After Death?

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:00:00 GMT

Social Media has become as much a part of our everyday lives as eating and breathing. In today’s world, it is hard to find someone who hasn’t left at least one digital footprint behind for others to find online. Whether you use social media to catch up with friends, show off pictures of grandchildren, or keep informed of community events, it is an open door for other people to see what you are doing with your life. With that being said, have you ever thought of what will happen to your social media accounts in the wake of your death?

Luckily for those of us not so technically inclined, many social media applications have already thought of this task for us. Setting up a “legacy,” or a person you select to maintain your social media accounts, is a way that your pages can be memorialized at the time of your death, and let friends and family pay tribute to your everlasting memory. Your “legacy” can monitor the account and manage the features in your absence, making sure that friends and loved ones won’t receive insensitive messages, such as automatic birthday reminders after your death. People often forget that social media applications don’t know when a person has died, and these automated reminders and messages will continue to be sent unless the proper protocol is followed.

Although this may be an unpleasant thing to think about, the reality is that your social media accounts are an extension of you, and should be managed by someone you trust (or closed out upon your passing). If for nothing more than letting long lost contacts know what has happened to you, the social media pages maintained by your “legacy” can be an important bereavement tool for loved ones who may find comfort in visiting your pages, posting tributes and reliving happy memories.

For more information on how to assign a “legacy” to maintain your Facebook account, click here . There are also many articles online where you can read more about the benefits of having a social media “legacy,” and how to set up a “legacy” for social media accounts other than Facebook.

Ask the Expert Luncheon: Medicare Supplement

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:53:00 GMT

Eliza Feller, Levinson’s Pre-Planning Manager, will briefly discuss the benefits of the Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018
12-1pm
Eggspectation
10209 Grand Central Ave #126, Owings Mills

A vegetarian/fish meal will be served. No fee to attend. Attendance by reservation only.

Space is limited. RSVP by Monday, April 2 to Sol Levinson & Bros. via 410-653-8900 or AskTheExpert@sollevinson.com

The Levinson’s Difference

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:45:00 GMT

Most people know that at Sol Levinson & Bros. we pride ourselves on our high level of service while tending to people in our care. People sometimes wonder what makes Levinson’s so different than other funeral homes, and even other businesses in general. Sol Levinson & Bros. has been … Continue reading →

Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Directors.

Most people know that at Sol Levinson & Bros. we pride ourselves on our high level of service while tending to people in our care. People sometimes wonder what makes Levinson’s so different than other funeral homes, and even other businesses in general.

Sol Levinson & Bros. has been family owned and operated for more than 125 years, making us one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Baltimore. It is an exceptional and unusual legacy. Thus far, we have had five generations of the Levinson family privileged to serve Baltimore and the surrounding communities. Since our beginning in the 1880s when Max Levinson began his funeral transportation service (which later became our very first funeral home) we have built our business on strong family values which we hope are reflected in how well we are able to assist your family. Our long-standing and close relationships with area rabbis, synagogues, cemeteries and community organizations allow us to excel at providing service to the families we serve. We believe that having a robust family commitment is what builds a strong community, and Levinson’s is honored to be an integral part of the city we call home.

Mission Statement: Providing exceptional funeral care to our community from generation to generation through compassion, education, and personalization.

Being a family-owned business allows us a great deal of flexibility when it comes to helping others. We are able to handle each family’s needs with a personal touch, accommodating everything from the most traditional funeral to the most personalized alternative services a family would like. As funeral directors, our role is to provide information, options, and experience in order to help families as much as possible. Our flexibility as a business also allows us to provide innovative programming and outreach, such as bereavement support groups, educational series’ on topics such as healthy living or living wills, bereavement programs in partnership with local hospice organizations, special programs on topics such as the Opioid Epidemic, and our Levinson’s Volunteer Initiative where we provide social action projects at local festivals and fairs.

The Levinson’s difference extends to the staff, as well. No matter what time of the day or night, when you call Levinson’s you will always be greeted by a warm, caring, and knowledgeable member of our staff, whereas most other funeral homes and businesses turn their phones over to an answering service after hours. At Levinson’s we have many employees that have been here for ten years or longer, and we try our hardest to ensure that there is continuity of service and relationships, even when that spans decades. If you have dealt with a specific funeral director in the past, we try to make sure you deal with that person again whenever possible. Finally, we have extensive training for our staff, to ensure they know how to handle all of the logistics that go into planning a funeral, and we hire people we know to be warm and compassionate in addition to being detail-oriented.

We know a lot of the families that we work with, and they have been allowing us to serve them for years; but even for the families who are not familiar with us, we pride ourselves on making everyone feel like a part of our family, and not just a client. Sol Levinson & Bros. is honored to have spent the past 125 years providing families with the personalized care that they need and deserve, and we look forward to doing so for many years to come. We want every family we serve to feel as comfortable as they can during one of the most difficult parts of life. We understand that planning the funeral of a loved one is not an easy thing to do, but we want to make it as easy on families as possible. Thank you for entrusting us with this vital service to the community.

Jewish Views on the Afterlife

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:11:00 GMT

When we invited Rabbi Steven Schwartz, of Beth El Congregation, to present on the topic of Jewish Views on the Afterlife at the October 2017 “We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss” program, we had no idea how many … Continue reading →

We followed up with Rabbi Schwartz to get a summary and he said “Many Jews don’t realize how much Judaism has to say about life after death. The tradition understands that God plants a soul inside of us when we come into the world, and when we die God takes our soul back. In that sense, the souls we carry during our earthly journeys are eternal, and will continue to exist even after our physical bodies are gone.” Rabbi Schwartz emphasized to us that “a core idea of Judaism is that we don’t understand death as being the end, but transitional, from one state of being to another state of being.”

After a little more research we came to the conclusion that, as with many aspects of Judaism, belief in what an afterlife looks like varies across the board. Below are a few websites that discuss the Jewish view on the afterlife in depth and from different perspectives. We at Levinson’s do not promote any particular belief, but we understand this is an important topic and people are searching for more information. We encourage you to talk to your Rabbi, do a little more reading and come to your own conclusions on this deep and meaningful subject.

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/life-after-death/

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/afterlife-in-judaism

http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/afterlife

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2970/jewish/Do-Jews-Believe-in-an-Afterlife.htm

Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces – 2017

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 19:28:00 GMT

For the fourth year in a row, we are proud to announce that Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. has been recognized among the 100 companies / organizations selected as a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun. We are … Continue reading →

For the fourth year in a row, we are proud to announce that Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. has been recognized among the 100 companies / organizations selected as a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun.

Check out the full list of top workplaces here.

Are you a compassionate, detail-oriented and team-oriented individual? We would love to hear more about you. Send a resume to humanresources@sollevinson.com and, if we don’t currently have an opening, we will be in touch when we find a fit.

Yahrzeit Email Reminders

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:23:00 GMT

In order to enhance our service to families, Sol Levinson & Bros. recently added the ability to receive annual yahrzeit reminders via email. If you would like to receive annual yahrzeit email reminders from YahrzeitMemorial.com for your loved ones, please copy and paste the following form to email … Continue reading →

email us

on our website

Twilight in the Woods

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 17:41:00 GMT

We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss – September 2017

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 18:14:00 GMT

Levinson’s is partnering with Jewish Community Services and Gilchrist Grief Services to present a powerful program designed to help people who are grieving the death of a loved one. Grief specialists from JCS and Gilchrist along with Rabbi Steven Schwartz from Beth El Congregation will help participants understand their feelings … Continue reading →

Levinson’s is partnering with Jewish Community Services and Gilchrist Grief Services to present a powerful program designed to help people who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Grief specialists from JCS and Gilchrist along with Rabbi Steven Schwartz from Beth El Congregation will help participants understand their feelings of grief, recognize what to expect during the grieving process, and acquire new coping skills. The program is designed to help those who have lost a loved one come away with a renewed sense of hope and meaning.

What is Aging-in-Place?

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:45:00 GMT

What does it mean to “age in place”? According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention the definition is, “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” … Continue reading →

Most people’s first desire is to remain in their own home as they age, and there are important ways that homes can and should be updated to ensure one’s physical safety. Some of these modifications involve removing tripping hazards, placing assistive devices in bathrooms, re-arranging furniture, adding ramps, ensuring kitchen safety, and more. There are also concerns about medication management and transportation that may need to be resolved. There are many resources available in Baltimore to help people continue their independent lifestyle and remain in their communities and their own homes.

Jewish Community Services offers an Elder Care Management program. From their website, “JCS Elder Care Management supports individuals in their desire to continue living in their own homes or in other settings with maximum independence and dignity while providing their family and caregivers with peace of mind.” Please see their website for the many ways they can assist, including consultations, assessments, and care management services.

Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. or, CHAI presents a broad range of community resources for seniors. They offer a supportive community network, housing services and loans, home repair, and other community outreach and volunteer programs. You can find all of these resources, as well as ways to volunteer or donate, by visiting their website .

Another vital part of being able to remain independent includes taking care of one’s self not only physically but mentally as well. The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore offers a multitude of classes and events for seniors that allow them to socialize and remain connected to their community while staying physically active, strengthening both body and mind. There are classes available for visual arts, performing arts, book clubs, as well as their Lifelong Learning programs which offer enrichment classes on art and literature. Many of the programs and classes they offer are free or low cost. To find out more and see a comprehensive list of services they offer, you can visit their website .

If you are interested in learning about how to create more opportunities for the community to better “age in place” you can also visit the National Aging in Place Council .

Thinking about our future or our parents’ futures isn’t always easy, but putting plans and practices in place now can help us ease into the next phase of life. Albert Einstein said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” With the proper care and planning you can continue that balance well into the future, independently, safely and comfortably.

Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. – 125th Anniversary

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 20:27:00 GMT

In 2017 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. celebrates 125 years of operation as one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Baltimore. Currently, the third, fourth and fifth generations of the Levinson family are active in the running of the funeral home … Continue reading →

Levinson’s owes a great deal of our continued success to our ability to change with the times while maintaining core values. We place an emphasis on high quality of service and dignity shown to all families. Levinson’s also navigates the delicate balance of incorporating technological and societal changes into Jewish funeral practices that are thousands of years old. In addition, a few years ago, Levinson’s reached out to the families we serve in the Columbia area by opening an arrangement center near the Mall in Columbia.

In addition to our commitment to the families we serve, Levinson’s is also consistently listed as one of the Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplaces. Many team members who are not part of the Levinson family have been here 20-25 years and find the work environment to be collegial and supportive.

As the Jewish funeral home in Baltimore, Sol Levinson & Bros. is aware of our responsibility to the community. We emphasize this commitment to the community by supporting area synagogues, organizations, schools, and more. Levinson’s also partners with The Associated, Jewish Community Services, LifeBridge Health, Jewish Volunteer Connection and area hospice organizations on many outreach programs. Levinson’s ongoing resources to families and community members in Baltimore and Columbia include bereavement support groups, bereavement libraries, educational programs, grief support programs, and much more.

In honor of Sol Levinson & Bros. 125 ^th anniversary, we are proud to be launching the Sol Levinson & Bros. 125 ^th Anniversary Volunteer Initiative . This project is dedicated to the memory of Burton H. Levinson, a third generation member of the Levinson family, who passed away in 2015. Burton taught that the most important thing to keep in mind in the funeral business is “do the right thing.” In keeping with this, we want to expand our dedication to the community, with the goals of Action, Caring, and Tikkun olam (repairing the world).

This coming year Levinson’s will have a presence at several major Jewish festivals in Baltimore and Columbia, with a booth where families can participate in a social action project. Members of the Levinson’s team will be there to help facilitate the projects and answer any questions people might have, but mostly to show the family’s commitment to giving back to the community and to the Jewish value of tikkun olam. Levinson’s greatly values the partnership of Jewish Volunteer Connection and The Associated in making this new project possible.

Sol Levinson & Bros. looks forward to serving the community for generations to come.

Sol Levinson & Bros. 125th Anniversary Volunteer Intitiative

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 20:25:00 GMT

Levinson’s is pleased to introduce the Sol Levinson & Bros. 125th Anniversary Volunteer Initiative. As part of this initiative, we will have a presence at several major Jewish festivals in Baltimore and Columbia, with a booth where families can participate in a social action project. Members of our team will be there to help facilitate the projects and answer any questions people might have, but mostly to show our commitment to giving back to the community and to the Jewish value of tikkun olam. These are programs we hope to do on an annual basis, as an ongoing initiative. Levinson’s greatly values the partnership of Jewish Volunteer Connection and The Associated in making this project possible.

Please see our website for more details, and follow us on Facebook to find out about upcoming volunteer events.

Project Partners:

Jewish Volunteer Connection
410-843-7490
jvcbaltimore@associated.org
www.jvcbaltimore.org

The Best Gift I Could Give My Children

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:52:00 GMT

We recently sat down to make pre-arrangements with a woman who told us her children thought that pre-planning her own funeral was the strangest thing for her to do, but she knew it was … Continue reading →

It may seem surprising, but several hundred people a year come in to plan ahead for their funerals, or the funeral of a loved-one. We hear an incredible amount of positive feedback from them, with comments such as “That was a much easier conversation than I expected,” or “I feel so much better having had this conversation.” People uniformly thank us for making the process so easy.

When you come in to talk to us there are no obligations and there is no pressure. We give you all of the options and information, allow you to ask any questions you may have, and put together a personalized Pre-Planning Guide with funeral information and valuable resources for your family.

Funeral directors are available by appointment to meet you at either the funeral home in Pikesville , or at our Columbia Arrangement Center . If you wish to learn more about the benefits of planning ahead, include a video testimonial, please visit our website .

“Don’t Worry, I Took Care of Everything.”

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:21:00 GMT

Has a loved one ever told you they’ve “taken care of everything” related to their funeral? Do you know what they mean by that? So many times we, as funeral directors, have taken a call from a family notifying us that someone has died and “they told me everything was … Continue reading →

Has a loved one ever told you they’ve “taken care of everything” related to their funeral? Do you know what they mean by that?

So many times we, as funeral directors, have taken a call from a family notifying us that someone has died and “they told me everything was taken care of” – and we have no record of them ever coming in to make decisions or to pre-pay anything. It turns out the person purchased cemetery plots and that is it. This is a horrible shock for the family at an already emotionally overwhelming time. Imagine believing the funeral has been paid in its entirety and finding out that is not the case.

If they HAVE been in to discuss all the options, but it has been a while, we want to offer the opportunity to come in and get our new Pre-Planning Guide reflecting your selections. Please give us a call to come in and meet briefly with one of our funeral directors, who will review it with you and give you a copy. You don’t have to make any changes to your existing selections.

We are available to meet with you by appointment in our Pikesville and Columbia, MD locations. As always, information on planning ahead is available on our website .

Introducing the new Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:20:00 GMT

Introducing the new Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide. This comprehensive resource contains detailed information about the funeral selections, location of vital documents, space to write down important information to be used in the eulogy, resources for families to … Continue reading →

Introducing the new Levinson’s Pre-Planning Guide.

This comprehensive resource contains detailed information about the funeral selections, location of vital documents, space to write down important information to be used in the eulogy, resources for families to use at the time of someone’s passing, and much more.

If you would like us to put together a Pre-Planning Guide reflecting your selections, please give us a call to come in to meet with one of our funeral directors in our Pikesville or Columbia locations. We will review all the funeral options with you, provide you with all the information you may need, and give you your personalized copy of the Guide.

Planning ahead for yourself or a loved one is beneficial because it allows you to:

As always, information on planning ahead is available on our website .

We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss – Columbia Seminar

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 16:09:00 GMT

Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30pm At The Meeting House: 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD, 21045 Gilchrist Grief Services, Jewish Community Services, Jewish Federation of Howard County and Sol Levinson & Bros, Inc. Funeral Home present a Community Seminar: We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss Continue reading →

Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30pm

At The Meeting House: 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD, 21045

Gilchrist Grief Services, Jewish Community Services, Jewish Federation of Howard County and Sol Levinson & Bros, Inc. Funeral Home present a Community Seminar:

We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss

Grieving the death of a loved one is a complex journey; it is a unique process for every individual.

This seminar will provide attendees an opportunity to learn new coping skills, to better understand their feelings, and come away with a renewed sense of hope and meaning.

Program

6:30 – 6:45 Welcome

6:45 – 7:15 Creating New Purpose: Finding Hope and Meaning

7:15 – 7:25 Break and Refreshments

7:25 – 8:15 Breakout Sessions led by Gilchrist Grief Services and Jewish Community Services Bereavement Clinicians

8:15 – 8:30 We Remember Them

Free and Open to the Community – to reserve a space please register by April 19, 2017.

Call: 443-849-8251 or email gs_grief@gilchristservices.org

Rosh Hashana Recipe from Our Family to Yours

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 18:28:00 GMT

With the New Year less than a week away, we are gearing up for Rosh Hashana by sharing some of our favorite recipes and traditions. We know that our team here couldn’t do what we do without the help and support of our families, and traditions are important to us. Here is a recipe from funeral director, Justan Goldstein’s wife, Jeanie Goldstein for her famous “Cranberry Brisket”. We hope you enjoy it! L’shanah Tovah!

Cranberry Brisket; or you can call it Brisket Done Right!

Trim excess fat from brisket. Place brisket in large pan (preferably a large roasting pan without a flat rack). Add in all ingredients, and seal tight with aluminum foil. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes per pound. Meat should be fork tender.

Why Do We Place Stones At A Grave?

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 14:51:00 GMT

The Symbol of the Stone at the Grave Have you ever wondered why Jews leave stones at the graves of their loved ones? Our Jewish faith teaches us to respect, mourn, remember, and care for the dead. Leaving stones at your loved one’s grave is a way of doing just … Continue reading →

The Symbol of the Stone at the Grave

Have you ever wondered why Jews leave stones at the graves of their loved ones? Our Jewish faith teaches us to respect, mourn, remember, and care for the dead. Leaving stones at your loved one’s grave is a way of doing just that, for long after they have left this world.

So, why do we leave stones rather than flowers that you may see in a secular cemetery? There are two reasons for this. The first one being that the stone symbolizes permanence. We wish for our loved one’s soul to live eternally in the world to come. Flowers may be beautiful, but they do not last – their beauty fades, and petals fall – while a stone remains sturdy even against the elements. The second reason being that in life, flowers symbolize luxury, a prize or even status. Judaism tells us that in death, like in birth, we are all equal. We are all rocks against the elements to stand the test of time.

Columbia Life Happens Series – September 2016

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 17:37:00 GMT

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE? It can be hard to discuss what happens when you or a family member becomes ill or passes away. But taking time to explore and make decisions about these issues now will make … Continue reading →

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE?

It can be hard to discuss what happens when you or a family member becomes ill or passes away. But taking time to explore and make decisions about these issues now will make it easier on your loved ones. Facing these difficult issues can provide everyone with peace of mind for years to come.

LifeBridge Health, Jewish Community Services, the Jewish Federation of Howard County and Sol Levinson & Bros. want to make the hard conversations about aging and planning for the future easier for you. Join us for Life Happens, a free series of talks from experts who help navigate others through these topics.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:09:00 GMT

Gilchrist Grief Services, Jewish Community Services and Sol Levinson & Bros, Inc. Funeral Home Present a Community Seminar: We Remember Them: Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss Grieving the death of a loved one is … Continue reading →

Gilchrist Grief Services, Jewish Community Services and Sol Levinson & Bros, Inc. Funeral Home Present a Community Seminar:

We Remember Them:

Finding Hope and Meaning After Loss

This seminar will provide attendees an opportunity to learn new coping skills, to better understand their feelings, and come away with a renewed sense of hope and meaning.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

6:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. Funeral Home

8900 Reisterstown Road

Baltimore, MD 21208

Program

6:30 – 6:45 Welcome

6:45 – 7:15 Creating New Purpose: Finding Hope and Meaning

7:15 – 7:25 Break and Refreshments

7:25 – 8:15 Breakout Sessions led by Gilchrist Grief Services and Jewish Community Services Bereavement Clinicians

8:15 – 8:30 We Remember Them presented by Rabbi Dana Saroken, Beth El Congregation

Free and Open to the Community. To reserve a space please register by September 15, 2016

Call: 443-849-8251 or email gs_grief@gilchristservices.org

Why Do We Cut Kriah?

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:52:00 GMT

Kriah is the tradition of rending garments to represent the tear in your heart when losing a loved one. It is a way to show outwardly that you are in mourning. Originally, people tore their clothing to represent their loss, but today we sometimes use a black ribbon that is worn on the outside of your clothing. Kriah ribbons are traditionally worn by immediate mourners – a spouse, child, sibling or parent of the person who has passed. Children who are mourning a parent wear the ribbon on their left side, symbolizing that they are the direct lineage of the person who passed. All others wear the ribbon on the right side. The ribbon is traditionally worn for the seven day shiva period but some Rabbis suggest wearing it for 30 days. Below is a poem written by Harold M. Schulweis about the tradition of kriah.

Krieh – Tearing the Cloth

Why rend the clothes?
So strange to a tradition
that admonishes
not to break or to destroy

It is for the sake of anger
against the unfairness of the world
anger against him or her, God or self?
Is tearing the cloth to give outer expression
to the tattered soul within?

Or is it a parallelism
the death of a person like the burning of a Sefer Torah
for which tearing the clothes is performed?

The burial of a human like the burial of a Torah
A human being is like a Sefer Torah
Studied, it has wisdom to impart
Lived, it has goodness to convey.
Rend the garments for the “Torah-mensch”

Each of us a letter in the Torah scroll
Together our lives are intertwined

Our common fate and faith
our common destiny
find us like the stitches of the parchment
when any of us is lost
The holy text is torn.
In memory we are mended.

Life Happens Series in Columbia

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 16:15:00 GMT

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE? It can be hard to discuss what happens when you or a family member needs skilled nursing care or passes away. But taking time to explore and make decisions … Continue reading →

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE?
It can be hard to discuss what happens when you or a family member needs skilled nursing care or passes away. But taking time to explore and make decisions about these issues now will make it easier on your loved ones. Facing these difficult issues can provide everyone with peace of mind for years to come.

LifeBridge Health, Jewish Community Services, the Jewish Federation of Howard County and Sol Levinson & Bros. want to make the hard conversations about aging and planning for the future easier for you. Join us in Columbia this September for Life Happens, a free series of talks from experts who help navigate others through these topics.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events. Attendance is free and open to the community. To register for any or all of these Life Happens sessions, go to www.lifebridgehealth.org/communityevents , or call 410-601-WELL (9355).

Jewish Mourning Rituals

Sun, 15 May 2016 17:38:00 GMT

Over the last several weeks, we have posted this series of videos regarding Jewish mourning rituals to our Facebook page. If you haven’t done so already, take a look! They are very informative and original. If you have questions regarding Jewish funerals or mourning practices, please contact us, we are … Continue reading →

Honoring a Memory by Planting Trees

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:28:00 GMT

In the Jewish faith, there are many ways to celebrate, honor and commemorate the life of a loved one and perpetuate their legacy for future generations. Planting a tree in their memory is a time-honored tradition that is symbolic and heartfelt, and a very common and appropriate way to show your support. Tree planting ceremonies may help a mourner fill a void felt after the funeral and shiva period have ended. Alternatively, it is very common to make a donation to a tree-planting organization such as Jewish National Fund , in someone’s memory.

Traditionally, a fruit tree is planted because it symbolizes continual nourishment by the fruit it bears. A story is told of a man named Honi, who encountered another man planting a carob tree. “How long will it take to bear fruit?” he inquired. “About 70 years,” the man replied. “So you think you will live long enough to taste its fruits?” The man explained, “I have found ready-grown carob trees in the world. As my forefathers planted them for me, so I plant for my children.”

This is a great way to teach younger generations about the circle of life and the beliefs we hold regarding life and death in the Jewish faith. The life cycle is not only about raising families and participating in your community, but teaching the reasons why we take care of one another, and providing for future generations as was done for us.

Many families are thankful for the visual reminder of how their loved one made a positive mark on the community, and it is uplifting to see a beautiful tree adorn the community in a loved one’s name. It also gives a place to visit, when perhaps the memories associated with visiting the cemetery may be too painful.

The options available to those interested in planting a memorial tree are many. While it is common to plant a tree in the yard of the mourning family, there are many places, such as a park, synagogue or school where family members and friends could remember and reflect on this symbol of a life well lived. The family’s rabbi may even conduct a small service.

Debbie Taylor’s Passover Kugel Recipe

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 16:09:00 GMT

With Passover quickly approaching, here at Levinson’s we’ve been sharing recipes and family traditions. Here is a recipe from one of our “family members”, Debbie Taylor: Passover Matzoh Kugel Recipe 2 cups matzoh farfel, softened in boiling water for 15 … Continue reading →

Life Happens: Educational Series

Fri, 08 Apr 2016 15:51:00 GMT

A free educational series on healthy living, caring for our loved ones and planning for the future. Are you prepared for the future? It can be hard to discuss what happens when you or a family member needs skilled nursing … Continue reading →

Are you prepared for the future? It can be hard to discuss what happens when you or a family member needs skilled nursing care or passes away. But taking time to explore and make decisions about these issues now will make it easier on your loved ones. Facing these difficult issues can provide everyone with peace of mind for years to come.

LifeBridge Health, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, Jewish Community Services, and Sol Levinson & Bros . want to make these hard conversations easier for you.

Join us for Life Happens, a free, six-week series where we will explore topics related to aging and planning for the future. All sessions will be held on Tuesday evening, 7-8:30 p.m.

May 3, 2016 — The Greatest Gift: Discussing and Planning for Future Financial, Medical and End-of-Life Matters with Loved Ones

Speaker: Deborah Hamburger, Esq. Volunteer Coordinator, Jewish Community Services

May 10, 2016 – Healthy Living For A Healthy Future

Speakers: Joann Coleman, DNP, ACNP, AOCN (acute care nurse practitioner) Sinai Center for Geriatric Surgery

Paul Apostolo M.D., Chief of Orthopedic Surgery for the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Northwest Hospital

May 17, 2016 – Understanding and Planning Social Security and Medicare Benefits

Speakers: Laura Train, Associate Commissioner, Office of Communications Planning and Technology, Social Security

Sherry Kolbe, Ship Program Manager Baltimore County, Baltimore County Department of Aging

May 24, 2016 – Aging in Place: Options And Resources For Staying In Your Home

Speakers: Karen Nettler, MSW, Director of Community Connections, Jewish Community Services

Andrew Weinberg, EldersChoice of Maryland, LLC

Michelle Mills, Director of Adult Day Care, Levindale

Mitch Posner, Executive Director, CHAI: Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.

May 31, 2016 – When Home is Not An Option: Retirement Communities, Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

Speakers: Susan Newhouse, LCSW-C

Ross Maultasch, Director of Nursing Home Operations, Levindale

June 7, 2016 – The Jewish Funeral: Traditions, Options and Funeral Home Tour

Speakers: Matt Levinson, Funeral Director, Sol Levinson& Bros.Inc.

Rabbi Chai Posner, Beth Tfiloh Congregation

Attendance is free and open to the community. Please check locations carefully.

To register for any or all of these Life Happens sessions, call 410-601-WELL (9355) or register online .

FAQ – Who Gets Funeral or Shiva Thank-you Notes?

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 15:27:00 GMT

One question we are often asked is who should formally be thanked after a funeral. It is important to note that the answer to this, as with most other things in Jewish tradition, often varies. It is most common to write thank-you notes for donations or contributions that were made … Continue reading →

One question we are often asked is who should formally be thanked after a funeral. It is important to note that the answer to this, as with most other things in Jewish tradition, often varies.

It is most common to write thank-you notes for donations or contributions that were made in a person’s memory, or to people who may have sent food to the family. It is also common to thank anyone who was exceptionally helpful in organizing shiva, etc. It is not expected that you should write a note to thank every person who attended the funeral.

However, in the more observant community it is NOT expected that thank-you notes be written, as that community views helping with shiva or making contributions in someone’s memory something that is a mitzvah – a commandment, not just a good deed – and, therefore, does not require thanks. Another part of the reasoning is they feel that grieving families should do just that – focus on their grief and not have to spend their time obligated to the duty of writing thank-you notes.

Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces – 2015

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:36:00 GMT

The list is out, and once again we are proud to announce that Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. has been recognized among the 100 companies/organizations selected as a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun. Coming … Continue reading →

The list is out, and once again we are proud to announce that Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. has been recognized among the 100 companies/organizations selected as a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun.

Coming in at #8 on the list of Small-sized Workplaces, we are aware that our recognition is due to our employees filling out surveys and again ranking us as one of the best places to work in Baltimore. Levinson’s is honored to be included on this list for a second year, and especially grateful that our employees know they are an important and respected part of our family business.

Click the image above to see the full listing of workplaces that were recognized.

Life Happens – first educational series

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:09:00 GMT

We have just completed a very successful first-time educational series, in partnership with LifeBridge Health, the JCC of Greater Baltimore, and Jewish Community Services. Thank you to all the speakers and participants. Over the course of six weeks, … Continue reading →

Over the course of six weeks, we covered the following topics:

Each presentation was very well attended and we received a lot of excellent feedback. As we review the series and plan for future events, is there a topic you would like us to consider? Please comment here, send an email to feedback@sollevinson.com, or call Matt Levinson or Eliza Feller at 410-653-8900

Life Happens – A free educational series on healthy living, caring for our loved ones and planning for the future

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 13:08:00 GMT

The Greatest Gift: Discussing and Planning for Future Financial, Medical and End-of-Life Matters with Loved Ones – Thursday, October 15, Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC Estates and Eldercare: Planning and Resources – Thursday, October 22, Sol Levinson & … Continue reading →

Attendance is free and open to the community. To register for any or all of these Life Happens sessions, go to www.lifebridgehealth.org/communityevents , email Gail Wolven at gwolven@lifebridgehealth.org or call 866-404 DOCS (3627).

Seventeenth Annual Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture Series on Death, Dying and Bereavement

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:36:00 GMT

The Empty Place at the Table: Coping with Loss During the Holidays

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 17:13:00 GMT

Funeral Personalization

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 16:39:00 GMT

Funeral personalization can mean a lot of different things, but the primary goal of personalization is that the funeral more fully reflect the life of the person being honored. Whether you are looking for traditional or non-traditional funeral arrangements, … Continue reading →

Levinson’s is here to answer your questions about these and other options, and to make everything run smoothly. Make sure your funeral director knows in advance if you would like to include any of these elements, so we can be completely prepared upon your arrival for the service. If you have special requests for your own funeral, you may sit down with us to plan ahead and ensure we have the information in our records. It is also very important to ensure your family is aware of and comfortable with your wishes.

Also, not all of these things are strictly in keeping with traditional Jewish funerals. Be sure your clergy is aware of any personalized aspects of your funeral so they may tailor their remarks appropriately to honor your loved one in the way you wish them to be remembered.

One thing many of our families find meaningful is to place photographs, notes and drawings (especially by younger family members) into the casket. Funerals sometimes feature special readings, or favorite music playing while other family and friends arrive prior to the service. Levinson’s also provides the option of a video recording of the service via discrete and unobtrusive cameras in the ceilings of the chapels. Family and friends who are out of town or otherwise physically unable to attend may then feel they are a part of the service even if they cannot attend. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. If you have your own suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Levinson’s is One of The Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces 2014!

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:24:00 GMT

We are proud to announce that Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. has been recognized among the 100 companies/organizations selected as a 2014 Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun. This recognition was based on surveys that our … Continue reading →

We are proud to announce that Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. has been recognized among the 100 companies/organizations selected as a 2014 Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun.

This recognition was based on surveys that our own employees completed, which makes us doubly proud. Levinson’s is honored to be included on this list, and especially grateful that our employees know they are an important and respected part of our family business.

Click the image above to see the full listing of workplaces that were recognized, or click here to read Levinson’s individual listing.

Yizkor – Who, What, When, Where, and Why?

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:43:00 GMT

The Yizkor service is a special service recited four times a year in synagogues, to honor the memory of the departed. It is recited on Yom Kippur, on Shemini Atzeret (at the end of Sukkot), the final day of Passover, and the … Continue reading →

Some synagogues have the tradition of everyone reciting Yizkor, with those who have not lost an immediate mourner reciting Yizkor for victims of the Holocaust or for other martyrs. In other synagogues, it is customary for only those who have lost an immediate family member to recite Yizkor.

A yahrzeit candle is traditionally lit the evening before the service. Please see our website for a full calendar of Yizkor dates (based on 8-day observance).

Any information about ritual practice is intended as a general overview for the broader Jewish community and there are many differences of opinion within this community. Concerns about specific ritual practices should be directed to your rabbi. Opinions expressed in blog posts and in external links may not represent the opinions of the staff or ownership of Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.

Family Owned & Proud of It

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 15:13:00 GMT

“Despite shift in funeral industry, Sol Levinson stays true to the community” We are honored to be featured in this August 2014 Jewish Times article that explains a little about what makes us unique.

“Despite shift in funeral industry, Sol Levinson stays true to the community”

We are honored to be featured in this August 2014 Jewish Times article that explains a little about what makes us unique.

The Empty Place at the Table: Coping with Loss During the Holidays

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 15:03:00 GMT

Family gatherings can be painful for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Sol Levinson & Bros and Jewish Community Services invite you to join us for help in finding support and comfort during … Continue reading →

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 | 7:00pm
Oakland Mills Interfaith Center
5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, Maryland

Facilitated by Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman and Donna Kane, M.A., JCS Clinician

Pre-registration is preferred. Please visit jcsbaltimore.org/griefsupport or call 410-466-9200.

New Howard County Office

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:19:00 GMT

Families living in Howard County will be now able to meet with Sol Levinson & Bros. funeral directors in the center of Columbia, at 5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 204, Columbia, MD 21044. Levinson’s has a decades-long relationship with the Jewish community in Columbia and surrounding areas, and “this office will address the lack of a physical presence of Jewish funeral homes in the Howard County area, which has a very high percentage of Jewish households,” said Matt Levinson, General Manager of Sol Levinson & Bros.

An additional benefit of this new office location is that Levinson’s can provide more easily-accessible aftercare resources to the Howard County Jewish community:

As Michelle Ostroff, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Howard County, points out, “the Jewish community is looking forward to Sol Levinson’s presence in Howard County. Having the Levinson family recognize the need for an office in Columbia further underscores our growing community and its needs.”

For over one hundred twenty years, and through five generations, the Levinson family has served the Baltimore and Howard County communities with compassion and respect. Large corporations are acquiring thousands of funeral homes across the country, and the family-owned difference sets us apart. As Matt Levinson noted, “we are one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Baltimore area and are proud to have three generations currently active in the business on a day-to-day basis, but we are always looking for ways to improve on our services, to make this difficult life-cycle event easier for families.” Levinson’s mission is to help craft a service to honor the memory of a loved one, and we feel that our longevity is a testament to that commitment.

Go to the Howard County section of our website for more resources and details about services offered. Contact us via HowardCounty@sollevinson.com or 410-730-7230.

2014 Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 18:51:00 GMT

Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. and Jewish Community Services welcome the entire community to: The 16th Annual Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, May 21, from 6-9:15pm. We are pleased to announce the following presenters and topics: Glenn J. Treisman M.D., Ph.D. – … Continue reading →

Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. and Jewish Community Services
welcome the entire community to:

The 16th Annual Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, May 21, from 6-9:15pm. We are pleased to announce the following presenters and topics:

Glenn J. Treisman M.D., Ph.D. – “Depression and Demoralization in Patients with Chronic Illness”
Doreen Horan, LCPC, FAMI – “Creative Grief Counseling for Children and Adults: The Wisdom of Integrating Therapy, Intuition, and Life Skills to Live Freely, Fully, Joyfully”

Dr. Treisman is the Director of the AIDS Psychiatry Service, Co-Director of the Chronic Pain Treatment Program, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Ms. Horan is the Manager of the Counseling Center at Stella Maris, Inc., a hospice provider in Timonium, MD.

The lecture will be held here at Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD. Limited seating. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. No prior registration or reservations. 3 Category A or I CEUs available for psychologists and social workers. The lecture is provided in conjunction with Jewish Community Services, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.

How Can Hospice Help?

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:47:00 GMT

The guiding principle of hospice is to ensure that a person’s death is as dignified and comfortable as possible, to maintain a patient’s quality of life and avoid unnecessary suffering. The role of hospice is to provide medical care and emotional support for the terminally ill. Hospice caregivers also provide valuable support to patients’ families. Some hospice organizations also provide palliative care for non-hospice patients. Palliative care is relieving symptoms or suffering, without attempting to cure an illness or disease.

Hospice organizations provide medical care via doctors and nurses who help advise and administer medications to ease suffering. They also help patients’ families make arrangements to acquire necessary medical equipment. Social workers are also available to help families and patients with the emotional process. Hospice providers also offer grief counseling, and some offer spiritual guidance. As with Levinson’s Aftercare Resources , hospice organizations are known for their continued support of families after the patient’s death. Some hospice organizations in the Baltimore-area are religious, some are not. Some are for-profit, some are not. All are committed to easing the process of death and dying for the terminally ill and their families.

Hospice services are available in one’s own home, in some hospitals, as well as at dedicated hospice facilities. It is important to know that hospice organizations will evaluate patients several times over the course of someone’s illness to determine their eligibility for hospice care and help advise the family, even before they are actually providing hospice services.

Within the Jewish community, there are some important resources, such as Jewish Community Services’ resources for Aging and Caregiving. Their assistance with Elder Care Management begins with helping families make decisions as their loved ones age, and they can also provide information about important end-of-life resources such as hospice care.

Other resources can be found through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization , as well as local hospice care providers such as Gilchrist Hospice , Seasons Hospice , and Stella Maris .

Jewish Genealogy

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 16:50:00 GMT

Genealogical research is pretty popular these days. How far back have you traced your family tree? There are a few resources you may not have heard of within the Baltimore/Maryland Jewish community to help you along the way: • The … Continue reading →

• The Jewish Museum of Maryland offers the most comprehensive on-line listing of individuals buried in Baltimore’s Jewish cemeteries. The list can be viewed and searched on the museum’s website .

• The Jewish Genealogy Society of Maryland has lists of local and national links and resources , and also hosts a variety of programs .

Are there any other resources you have found helpful?

Caring for Yourself When Grieving

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 20:29:00 GMT

Grief can be an all-encompassing emotion, and Jewish funerals often take place within a relatively short time after a death occurs, meaning the first few days after a loss can go by in a blur. Add to that the possible additional stresses … Continue reading →

Jewish law requires us to take care of ourselves, even at difficult times, and we have put together some reminders that we hope will keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. If you are helping a friend or extended family during the time of a funeral, please make sure they do the following:

Remember mourning is a process which takes a different amount of time for each person. As you grieve, please keep in mind we have several resources at Levinson’s to help you along the way. From books to lectures to bereavement groups, our Aftercare resources are always available to you.

Why Should I Plan Ahead?

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:46:00 GMT

Maybe you have a relative who is ill or going to need some long-term care and you have to spend down their assets, or your parents are older and you don’t want to have to worry about the impact of funeral costs while you are grieving, or you … Continue reading →

There are several important reasons to take an hour of your time to make funeral arrangements in advance:

Check out the Plan Ahead section of our website for an informative video , FAQs, and an online form to begin planning. Contact us to speak with a funeral director about any additional questions or to set up an appointment.

Introducing Our eNewsletter

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 18:10:00 GMT

Our first eNewsletter is out – did you receive it? We expect to send it out a few times a year to inform you of upcoming events, helpful information about mourning and bereavement or changes in funeral practices, as well as information about Levinson’s. We hope this provides valuable resources … Continue reading →

Click to sign up

Check out our blog post titled “Let’s Talk About Death?” for the lead newsletter article on the fascinating and important discussions taking place across the United States about death and dying.

2013 Bereavement Lecture in Howard County

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:33:00 GMT

On Sunday, October 20, 2013, Levinson’s hosted our annual bereavement lecture in Howard County. With about 100 people in attendance from the Columbia, Rockville, Bethesda and Washington, DC areas, this lecture allows us to provide outreach and aftercare services to the families we serve in those neighborhoods. The lecture is … Continue reading →

Presenter J. Shep Jeffreys spoke about “Helping Grieving People: When Tears Are Not Enough”. J. Shep Jeffreys, Ed.D., F.T. is a licensed psychologist with a specialty in the treatment of grief related problems. He is a Fellow in Thanatology (ADEC). In addition to his practice at the Family Center in Columbia, he is an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he presents seminars on loss and grief to psychiatric residents. He is Affiliate Assistant Professor of Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland, teaching Loss and Bereavement.

Dr. Jeffreys is author of Helping Grieving People: When Tears Are Not Enough: A Handbook for Care Providers, 2nd Edition , and of Coping with Workplace Grief: Dealing with Loss, Trauma and Change, Revised Edition . His column “Grief Psychologist’s Corner” has been a regular feature in Living With Loss magazine. A speaker and storyteller, he consults with and provides training programs for religious, medical, and educational institutions as well as business organizations. For twelve years he worked with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., as a trainer and grief/loss workshop leader in the United States and abroad, and he has served as consulting psychologist for The Johns Hopkins AIDS Service. Dr. Jeffreys is a member of and consultant to Bereaved Parents USA, Howard County (MD) Chapter.

Feedback after the lecture was that Dr. Jeffreys was very informative, a great speaker and people really got a lot out of the morning. All in all, it was an experience that was very helpful to the attendees.

If you are interested in the lectures either at the Sol Levinson & Bros. funeral home (usually every Spring), please check in with us in February. If you would like to know more about upcoming Howard County lectures, please check in with us next summer.

You can always contact us with any questions.

This event was co-sponsored by Jewish Community Services (An agency of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore) and The Jewish Federation of Howard County.

Let’s Talk About Death?

Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:55:00 GMT

Have you ever talked to your friends or family about death? Do you know what your loved ones’ wishes are for long-term care? Have you told them what your wishes are? What does it mean to decide to send a family member … Continue reading →

The separation many of us have from death or those who are dying – due to extended life expectancy and the rise of long-term care facilities – means that this subject is rarely discussed and has almost become taboo. This does a disservice to those who are dying and those who are struggling to cope with the loss or imminent loss of a loved one. Several interesting communities and resources have recently stepped in to fill that gap.

Now you can gather a group of friends or family to discuss “ Death Over Dinner “, sending out a resource for people to read in advance and then gathering to talk about your reactions or thoughts. They point out on their homepage that “How we want to die – represents the most important and costly conversation America isn’t having.” Bloomberg recently highlighted these dinners in an article which looks into some participants’ experiences. Or you can attend a “ Death Cafe ” which gathers people together over cake and coffee (or tea) to share their thoughts and fears about death. Back in March, NPR interviewed the man who started them, and you can read that interview here .

If you have any questions about Jewish funerals or the mourning process, funeral options available, or would like information about resources in the community, please do not hesitate to let us know .

Ask the Funeral Director – FAQs

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 15:02:00 GMT

There are many questions people have about Jewish mourning customs and the process of arranging funerals. On our website we have attempted to address the most common questions with our “Ask the Funeral Director FAQ”. What do I … Continue reading →

If you have any questions that you do not see here or there are any important topics you feel we have not covered, please contact us .

Levinson’s Mobile Site – Up and Running

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 16:15:00 GMT

As promised, we now have a mobile version of our site and if you are checking us out from your phone, that is where you will be directed. Our hope was to create a platform that is much easier to use from … Continue reading →

On an individual’s page it is now easier to view and scroll through the obituary and memorial book information, and you can click to enlarge a person’s photograph. We have also made it easier to share the service details with others directly from your phone.

The mobile site also has information about how to contact us, cemeteries, planning ahead, and this blog. The archive of the past 6 months’ funerals is easy to find and simplified for the purposes of mobile devices. Several of our videos are on the new mobile site and the “Contact Us” page even allows you to use the virtual tour from your phone!

You can still access our full site and its many valuable resources via the menu at the top right.

Artwork at Levinson’s

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:39:00 GMT

No matter where you go in Levinson’s Funeral Home, you will find artwork. If you have been here, you probably noticed the stained glass, prints, paintings, the beautiful stone of the chapel walls and more. Most – though not all – of the artwork has a Jewish theme. Many images of Jerusalem can be found throughout the funeral home, as well as the tree of life, the twelve tribes, and many other events in Jewish history.

Why do we have so much artwork? First of all, the simple reason is that it beautifies the space, and makes it seem less formal and more like a home. Also, much of the work is by Jewish and Israeli artists, which we feel is an important community to support. But the most important reason is the first: the artwork serves to create a comforting environment in many places – in the offices where we make arrangements with grieving families, in the family rooms where you come to offer condolences prior to the service, and elsewhere in the building as decoration and inspiration.

The next time you are here, we encourage you to take a closer look at the works on the walls and appreciate their symbolism and beauty.

How long do we sit shiva? Is one day okay? Three?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:40:00 GMT

We’re going to start this answer out by saying we strongly recommend you talk to a rabbi about this issue. Shiva technically means “seven” and by definition lasts for seven Jewish calendar days starting immediately after the interment (burial). There are many important reasons for this first period of official … Continue reading →

We’re going to start this answer out by saying we strongly recommend you talk to a rabbi about this issue.

Shiva technically means “seven” and by definition lasts for seven Jewish calendar days starting immediately after the interment (burial). There are many important reasons for this first period of official mourning, but due to various considerations such as family needing to return to their homes in other cities or changes in religious observance, many families sit shiva for fewer than seven days. The length of this observance is now often determined by each family based on their needs.

You can find more extensive details about this and other Jewish funeral practices on our Jewish Resources page . We also have a helpful page on how to set up a shiva house .

Should Children Attend Funerals?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:01:00 GMT

A frequent question is whether it is appropriate for young children to attend the funeral. Our answer is generally that this is something best determined by the parent, and really depends upon an individual child’s personality. This approach has changed significantly from a few decades ago – the tradition of excluding children from funerals or mourning rituals is no longer understood as best for children. The common approach these days is if a child is old enough to have some understanding of the concept of death, it is important and far less traumatic for them to attend (unless they really do not want to).

At Sol Levinson & Bros. we try to make sure there are options for families who want to include children in the funeral service. First, you can take your children on a virtual tour of our building, showing them the chapel and family room ahead of time so their surroundings are less intimidating when they arrive for the service.

For families with very young children, our Family Rooms have overhead speakers so if a parent or caregiver needs to step out with a child in the middle of a service they are able to continue to listen. In our bereavement library we have workbooks for children to express their emotions through drawing or other activities, as they often do not have the words to express the complex emotions they are feeling and they have not yet developed the coping mechanisms necessary to focus on the appropriate memories of a loved one. Some families choose to place photographs, drawings, letters or cards into the casket and this is an opportunity to allow children to participate.

We also have resources in the library for how to talk about death with children. The words we as adults sometimes want to use to soften the blow are not always the best ones. There is a story used as a lesson to be careful of what to say when speaking to children. As the story goes, a child was told that his grandfather’s body was at the funeral home. As grownups, we understand what this means, however the child became distraught and nobody could figure out why. They finally realized that he thought this meant his grandfather no longer had a head and it was just the rest of his body that was going to be buried. Children have no choice but to be very literal if our words are the only input they have to inform them about a new experience. Here is an article that shares some useful information on how to speak to children about death.

For a little more reading, here is a New York Times article on the changing approach to letting children share in grief.

Yizkor Reminder – Shavuot

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:28:00 GMT

The Yizkor memorial prayer is recited four times a year at synagogue services, including on Shavuot. Practices for length of holiday observance vary between denominations, so please check with your rabbi or synagogue to confirm this information. For those who observe … Continue reading →

Please see our website for a full calendar of Yizkor dates (based on 8-day observance).

Any information about ritual practice is intended as a general overview for the broader Jewish community and there are many differences of opinion within this community. Concerns about specific ritual practices should be directed to your rabbi. Opinions expressed in blog posts and in external links may not represent the opinions of the staff or ownership of Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.

2013 Bereavement Lecture Highlighted in the Baltimore Jewish Times

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:31:00 GMT

The Baltimore Jewish Times highlighted tomorrow’s 15th annual Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture Series on Death, Dying and Bereavement in a recent article. We hope you will take a few moments to read the article and then join us at Levinson’s on Wednesday, May 8 from 6-9:15pm Presenters: … Continue reading →

The Baltimore Jewish Times highlighted tomorrow’s 15th annual Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture Series on Death, Dying and Bereavement in a recent article .

We hope you will take a few moments to read the article and then join us at Levinson’s on Wednesday, May 8 from 6-9:15pm

Presenters:

Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D.: “Nothing Was the Same: Grief and Loss”

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt: “Living in the Shadow of Death: Lessons for Living”

Bereavement Lecture Highlighted on Shalom USA Radio

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:14:00 GMT

This Sunday, May 5 at 8:30am, tune in to Shalom USA Radio on 1300 AM, WJFK (in Baltimore), to hear one of our lecture speakers, Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt of Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac, MD, and Jewish Community Services representative Janet Kurland, LCSW-C, discuss the upcoming … Continue reading →

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt

Details about this year’s lecture can be found on our website’s Aftercare services page or by going directly to the flyer .

Levinson’s Virtual Tour in the Jewish Times

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:59:00 GMT

Google’s virtual tour on Levinson’s funeral home is now active on Google Maps. The Jewish times has written an article about the tour and the purpose behind it. Read the article here. Click below to take the virtual tour. Continue reading →

Google’s virtual tour on Levinson’s funeral home is now active on Google Maps. The Jewish times has written an article about the tour and the purpose behind it. Read the article here.

Click below to take the virtual tour.

Google Maps partners with Levinson’s

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:52:00 GMT

The Google truck will be in Pikesville on Friday, April 25. Users of Google Maps Street View will be able enter Levinson’s parking lot and walk through the front doors of the funeral home. Levinson’s will become the first Jewish funeral home in the country to partner with Google in this way. Users will have the ability to walk through and tour our lobby, chapels, library, parlors, arrangement offices, and more using a 360-degree panoramic view.

I’m Not Affiliated With A Synagogue And I Don’t Have A Rabbi: What Do I Do When My Loved One Dies?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:00 GMT

The changing face of the Jewish community in the United States means that there are families who are not affiliated with a particular synagogue. There is obviously a benefit to being a member of a synagogue and having a rabbi who is familiar with your family. However, if you are not affiliated with a synagogue, Levinson’s does engage clergy – for a fee set by the Baltimore Board of Rabbis – to officiate at funeral services. The members of the clergy (rabbis and cantors) are skilled at pulling together multiple people’s memories and crafting an accurate reflection of a person’s life. Because there is not a long-standing relationship with the family, it is especially important that the rabbi or cantor speak with as many members of the family as possible, to put together the eulogy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What Do I Say?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

People often struggle to know what to say to someone who is seriously ill, to their families, or to the family of someone who has died. This article from the LA Times suggests a sort of “Ring Theory” for determining where people fall on the spectrum of intimacy with … Continue reading →

We react emotionally to difficult situations, for good reason. But this is a helpful reminder to think carefully about how our reactions affect others.

How To Set Up A Shiva House

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Have you seen this new resource page with suggestions for setting up a shiva house? Several people asked us for such a list and so we put on as many recommendations as possible, including thoughts for how to help … Continue reading →

If you have anything to add, please let us know in the comments section below.

Irvin B. Levinson Memorial Lecture Series: May 8, 2013

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:06:00 GMT

At Sol Levinson & Bros. we believe that our service to the community does not end with the funeral. Since 1998, in memory of Irvin B. Levinson, we’ve hosted an annual lecture series in his honor. Levinson’s, in collaboration with … Continue reading →

This year, the lecture is on Wednesday, May 8 from 6-9:15pm. Please see the flyer for full details, but we are thrilled to have Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D. speaking on the topic “NOTHING WAS THE SAME: GRIEF AND LOSS” and Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt discussing “LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH: LESSONS FOR LIVING”.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Yizkor Reminder

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:40:00 GMT

Any information about ritual practice is intended as a general overview for the broader Jewish community and there are many differences of opinion within this community. Concerns about specific ritual practices should be directed to your rabbi. Opinions expressed in blog posts and in external links may not represent the … Continue reading →

Any information about ritual practice is intended as a general overview for the broader Jewish community and there are many differences of opinion within this community. Concerns about specific ritual practices should be directed to your rabbi. Opinions expressed in blog posts and in external links may not represent the opinions of the staff or ownership of Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.

The Yizkor memorial prayer is recited four times a year at synagogue services, including on the last day of Passover. Practices for length of holiday observance vary between denominations, so please check with your rabbi or synagogue to confirm this information. For those who observe eight days of Passover, the Yizkor service is held on Tuesday, April 2nd. For those who observe seven days of Passover, the service will be on Monday, April 1. A yahrzeit candle is traditionally lit the evening before.

Please see our website for a full calendar of Yizkor dates (based on 8-day observance).

What Is This Blog For, Anyway?

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:56:00 GMT

A funeral home with a blog – seems a little strange, no? We think that as you have a chance to read our upcoming posts you will find it very useful. The purpose of this blog is to answer less formal questions about funeral practices, especially Jewish funeral practices. Also, it is a good place for us to highlight available resources that may be helpful for the families we serve, and provide updates on newsworthy events in the community and the funeral industry.

If you have any pressing questions that you have always wanted to ask a funeral director, first check our FAQ on our website or search this blog, and if you don’t see the answer to your question please let us know by sending a comment at the bottom of this page or by submitting an “ Ask the Funeral Director ” form. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Jewish Times Writes an Article About Our New Website!

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:29:00 GMT

Click here to see the article!

Mobile Functionality – Phase Two of our New Site

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:24:00 GMT

Phase Two of our new website will be to enhance your ability to view service details from mobile platforms. The new mobile site will focus on the daily funeral list and allow you to more easily read the details of each individual funeral on your phones. We know this is … Continue reading →

We know this is something many of you are looking forward to and we expect to have this available in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Announcing Sol Levinson & Bros. New Website!

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:38:00 GMT

We here at Sol Levinson & Bros. are extremely proud to announce the launch of our brand new website (still at sollevinson.com)! Why would we change our award-winning site? Because we are constantly striving … Continue reading →

We here at Sol Levinson & Bros. are extremely proud to announce the launch of our brand new website (still at sollevinson.com )!

The new look still has all of the things you were able to find in the previous layout: our daily funeral schedule, the ability to watch videos of services, cemetery information and more. But we have added some important new features:

Please take some time to look around and acquaint yourself with the new layout and features. There may be some kinks in different versions of browsers, so please let us know. We hope you find some useful information and we look forward to using this forum to provide you with even more!

Matt Levinson on Midday with Dan Rodricks – WYPR

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:59:00 GMT

Matt Levinson discussed live-streaming of funeral service videos on Midday with Dan Rodricks on January 9, 2013. Click here to listen as he explains the reasons behind Sol Levinson & Bros. providing this option to families. You can also read a summary of our webcasting service and how to … Continue reading →

Matt Levinson discussed live-streaming of funeral service videos on Midday with Dan Rodricks on January 9, 2013.

Click here to listen as he explains the reasons behind Sol Levinson & Bros. providing this option to families. You can also read a summary of our webcasting service and how to access videos here.

Where Are You Located?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:44:00 GMT

We are conveniently located just 1/2 mile north of 695, on Reisterstown Road at the intersection with Mount Wilson Lane. To reach our parking lot, turn onto Mount Wilson Lane and we are the first entrance on the right. If you are coming to our offices: when you pull into … Continue reading →

If you are coming to our offices: when you pull into the parking lot, continue along the right side of the building until you see the door labeled “Offices.”

If you are coming to attend a funeral: our staff should be at the entrance to the parking lot. If you are going to the cemetery, they will give you a sticker for your windshield and direct you where to park. If you are just attending the service in our building, they will tell you to park on a certain side of the lot. By parking where they indicate, it will help avoid you possibly getting blocked in by attendees for another service!

Where Can I Find Shiva Times?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:06:00 GMT

Whenever possible, we have the days and times of shiva services on an individual’s funeral notice, which can be found by visiting our website’s home page. If you are looking on information for a funeral that has already taken place, start typing the person’s last name into the … Continue reading →

Whenever possible, we have the days and times of shiva services on an individual’s funeral notice, which can be found by visiting our website’s home page .

If you are looking on information for a funeral that has already taken place, start typing the person’s last name into the box where it says “Search by last name”, and after you have entered a few letters their name should come appear. Click on their full name and it will take you to their page.

What Should I Do When My Loved One Passes Away?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:57:00 GMT

No matter where your loved one passes, call Sol Levinson & Bros. immediately. We are the only phone call you have to make, and we contact everyone else, such as the rabbi, cemetery, doctor or out-of-state funeral home. This makes it easier (and, in the case of an out-of-town death, … Continue reading →

No matter where your loved one passes, call Sol Levinson & Bros. immediately . We are the only phone call you have to make, and we contact everyone else, such as the rabbi, cemetery, doctor or out-of-state funeral home. This makes it easier (and, in the case of an out-of-town death, often less expensive!) for you and your family.

New Videos About Sol Levinson & Bros.

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:48:00 GMT

Learn more about Sol Levinson & Bros. and our role in the community from our new videos. General background about the funeral home, serving the Baltimore & Washington, DC communities Hear about our quality of service from several rabbis in the community Learn … Continue reading →

Learn more about Sol Levinson & Bros. and our role in the community from our new videos.

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Webinar: What Goes Into Planning A Funeral

Much more goes into planning a funeral than people realize.

Join us for an online presentation about all the decisions that need to be made, and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time .

What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life

Please join us for an engaging evening of learning about improving end-of-life experiences.

Webinar: What is Advance Planning?

Much more goes into planning a funeral than people realize.

Join us for an online presentation about all the decisions that need to be made, and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time .

Funerals, Memorialization, and the Importance of Advance Planning

Much more goes into planning a funeral than people realize.

Join us for an online presentation about all the decisions that need to be made - and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time .

Memories, Grief, and Healing During the High Holydays

The Importance of Advance Planning: Senior Living & Memorialization Wishes

What decisions should you make ahead of time - for housing needs and funeral options - to ease the financial and emotional burdens on your family?

Join us to find out!

Advance Planning: What Decisions do I Need to Make Before My Appointment

What do you need to decide on before making an appointment to preplan a funeral or end-of-life ceremony?

You might be surprised.

Click below to watch a short video with our recommendations.

Advance Planning: What is the Most Important Thing to Keep in Mind?

Check out our short video on what our Advance Planning Specialists think is the most important consideration when preplanning.

Advance Planning: What is it?

Presentation: Jewish Funerals & The Importance of Advance Planning

Preparing for Death: Jewish Values, Rites, Rituals, and Readings

End-of-Life Care and Rituals, from a Jewish Perspective

Honoring Loved Ones at Passover

Passover is a time when grief can hit us especially hard.

How can we take those important feelings and use them to craft an even more meaningful holiday experience?

Conversations You Should Be Having

A Month of Gratitude

Grief and Gratitude...and Gratitude in Grief

What's a green burial?

Green burial? Natural burial? Green cemeteries? What's the deal?

Webinar: Jewish Funerals and the Importance of Advance Planning

Much more goes into a funeral than many people realize. Join us as we discuss decisions that need to be made and the importance of having this conversation ahead of time.

Webinar: The Importance of Advance Planning for a Funeral

Much more goes into a funeral than people realize.

Get the information you need to make the best decisions ﻿ for yourself and your family.

FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Funeral Costs

For those who have lost a family member directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, starting April 12, 2021 FEMA will be offering reimbursement of funeral expenses up to $9,000.

Shiva During COVID: Loss and Opportunity

Why Have a Zoom Shiva or a Virtual Memorial Gathering?

Creating a Purposeful Virtual Service Experience

How to prepare for a Virtual Funeral,

Memorial Service or Zoom Shiva

Funerals in a Changing World - Free Webinar

Mourning Together: A Virtual Community Gathering

As a part of our Jewish community, we want to help fill the void of grief created by the pandemic.

Addiction During Restriction: Families Navigating Recovery in the Time of Covid-19

Battling addiction is difficult. Battling substance abuse during the confines of a pandemic creates new stresses and challenges for those struggling with addiction.

Grieving During a Pandemic: Tools to Utilize During Covid

Our mental health is paramount to our well being and becomes even more so as we are isolated from our family and friends during difficult times.

Mourning Together: A Virtual Community Gathering

As a part of our Jewish community, we want to help fill the void of grief created by the pandemic.

New Educational Program: Ask the Expert discussions in private homes

Rebecca Milner King’s Challah Recipe

Baltimore’s Jewish Genealogy with Sol Levinson & Bros.

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The Jewish Funeral and Advance Planning – Unraveling the Mysteries

Life Happens – Jewish Perspectives on Planning for the Future: Leaving a Legacy

What is a Yahrzeit?

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Retirement Planning: Ask the Expert Luncheon

You Want Me to Talk About WHAT?

Social Security Benefits: Ask the Expert Luncheon

Mourner’s Kaddish: Traditions and Alternatives

Tips for Cleaning a Relative’s Home, Downsizing for a Move, or Decluttering to Help Your Family

Who Typically Serves as a Pallbearer?

Why Do Pallbearers Sometimes Stop on the Way to the Grave?

Twilight in the Woods

Life Happens: Jewish Perspectives on Aging and Planning for the Future

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Why Advance Planning?

Advance Planning is the number one thing you can do to make the funeral process easier for your family.

Contemporary Guide to Visiting Cemeteries

Family Caregiver Resources

Medicaid Spend-down: Ask the Expert Luncheon

What is Medicaid spend-down? Is it for me? How do I spend down my assets in an acceptable way?

Why Advance Planning?

Get the information you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.