Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals

09/08/2025

Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals was honored to host a Lunch & Learn with the residents of Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, VA. The program explored Jewish rituals and traditions at the end of life, emphasizing how advance planning can ease both the financial and emotional burdens on families.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with the community, share the values that guide our work, and enjoy a wonderful lunch from Attman's Potomac Deli. We extend our gratitude to our partner, Shawn Williams from Fairfax Memorial Park, for joining us and to the Ashby Ponds residents for their warm welcome and meaningful engagement in this important conversation.

08/26/2025

What is Sheloshim in Jewish Mourning?
After a Jewish funeral and the week of Shiva, families enter the next stage of mourning called Sheloshim, meaning “thirty” in Hebrew. This 30-day period offers a balance between honoring the deceased and slowly returning to daily life.
🕯️ A Period of Healing
Sheloshim is a sacred time when mourners step back from celebrations, music, and large social gatherings. The focus is on reflection, prayer, and remembering the loved one with dignity.
🤍 Ways Families Honor Sheloshim
• Reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish
• Sharing memories and stories
• Acts of charity in the loved one’s name
• Support from family, friends, and community
In places like Tysons Corner, Washington DC, and Maryland, these traditions are a meaningful way to honor Jewish values while creating space for healing.
At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we guide families through each step of Jewish mourning, from Shiva to Sheloshim and beyond, with compassion and cultural clarity.
👉 Watch our Sheloshim video to learn more about this important tradition.

Shloshim Video | Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals - Vienna, VA

08/25/2025

Last night’s Northern Virginia Big Challah Bake at the Pozez JCC in Fairfax brought women from all over the DMV together for an evening of laughter, learning, and lots of flour! With aprons on and dough in hand, novice bakers and seasoned pros alike shared in the joy of tradition, friendship, and community.

Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals was proud to be a sponsor and join Ellen Suls MacDonald and Sophia Spike in the fun. While not every challah rose to perfection, the warmth of the conversations and connections surely did. 🥖✨ A beautiful reminder that, just like challah, our community is braided together with love and meaning.

08/18/2025

Please welcome the newest member of our Marketing team, Micah Rappaport!! Check out his bio here:

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

08/15/2025

What Not to Do During the Jewish Mourning Period
Jewish mourning traditions are meant to create space for reflection, healing, and honoring a loved one’s memory. If you are observing Shiva, Shloshim, or another mourning period, or visiting someone who is, it’s important to understand what customs to avoid.
🕯 Skip the celebrations
Weddings, parties, and other joyous events are generally not attended during mourning.
🕯 Pause grooming
Haircuts and shaving are avoided as a visible sign of grief.
🕯 Quiet over music
Live music and entertainment are set aside to allow for reflection.
🕯 Respectful visits only
Visits should be supportive, brief, and focused on the mourner’s needs.
At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we help families in Tysons Corner, Washington DC, and Maryland navigate these traditions with kindness and cultural clarity.
💙 If you’re unsure about Jewish mourning etiquette, we’re here to guide you.
👉 Contact us with your questions or visit our website to learn more.

08/15/2025

We are very excited to be supporters of the Great Big Challah Bake 2025. We look forward to seeing you there! Registration Link: https://thej.org/event/great-big-challah-bake-2025/

Call now to connect with business.

08/12/2025

💙 Shloshim: The 30 Days After Shiva
In Jewish tradition, mourning doesn’t end after the seven days of Shiva. The next stage is called Shloshim, a 30-day period of continued reflection and remembrance.
🕯 What Happens During Shloshim?
This time allows mourners to gradually return to daily life while still honoring the memory of their loved one. Certain customs are observed, such as refraining from celebrations or major events, as a sign of respect.
🤍 Why It Matters
Shloshim provides space to process grief and find comfort in community and faith. It’s a gentle transition from the intense mourning of Shiva to the ongoing journey of healing.
🌍 Local Support for Jewish Families
At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we guide families in Tysons Corner, Washington DC, and Maryland through each stage of Jewish mourning customs, from Shiva to Shloshim, with compassion and clarity.
👉 If you have questions about Jewish mourning traditions, we’re here to help.

Shloshim Video | Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals - Vienna, VA

08/08/2025

What Should You Say to a Jewish Friend Who’s Lost a Loved One?
When someone passes away, knowing what to say can feel difficult, especially across different faiths. But for Jewish families in Tysons Corner, Washington DC, and Maryland, heartfelt and straightforward words go a long way.
🕯️ Traditional Phrases to Say:
“May their memory be a blessing.”
This phrase is one of the most meaningful ways to honor the deceased and comfort the grieving.
Other supportive things to say include:
🗣️ “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
🗣️ “Wishing you comfort and peace.”
🗣️ “Thinking of you and your family.”
🤍 What Not to Say:
Avoid phrases like “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason.” These can feel out of step with Jewish beliefs and unintentionally cause more pain.
At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we’re here to guide families and friends through Jewish mourning customs with compassion and care.
👉 Questions about Jewish funeral etiquette or Shiva support? We’re here to help.

08/05/2025

Is It Appropriate to Send a Sympathy Card to a Jewish Family?
Yes, it’s both appropriate and deeply appreciated. In Jewish tradition, expressing sympathy through a card is a respectful way to offer support without intruding during mourning.
✉️ When to Send It:
A sympathy card can be sent before, during, or after Shiva (the seven-day mourning period). It’s significant if you can’t be there in person.
🕊️ What to Say:
Keep your message sincere and straightforward. Phrases like “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “May their memory be a blessing” are traditional and comforting.
💬 If You're Not Jewish:
In communities like Tysons Corner, Washington, DC, and Maryland, people of all faiths often support one another in mourning. A thoughtful card shows care across cultures and traditions.
At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we offer gentle guidance for those attending, supporting, or planning a Jewish funeral.
👉 Not sure what to say or send? We’re here to help.

07/30/2025

How Long Should You Stay at a Shiva Visit?
Shiva is a sacred part of Jewish mourning. For seven days, loved ones come together to reflect, grieve, and support the family of the deceased. But if you're planning to attend a Shiva in Northern Virginia, how long should you stay?

🕯️ Keep It Brief, Yet Thoughtful
A visit lasting 20 to 30 minutes is usually best. This gives you time to offer comfort without overwhelming the family.

💬 Follow the Family's Lead
Shiva is not a social gathering. Speak softly, listen with care, and allow the family to set the pace of the visit.

⏳ The Week of Shiva, One Visit at a Time
Shiva lasts up to seven days, but individual visits should be short. If you're unsure about the best time to visit, it's okay to ask.

🌍 Support Makes a Difference
In close communities like Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria, a respectful Shiva visit shows true compassion and solidarity.

At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we help families and guests understand Jewish traditions with sensitivity and clarity.

👉 Want to learn more about Shiva or Jewish funeral customs? Reach out. We're here to help.

07/29/2025

This past Sunday, we were honored to host "Bagels to the Beyond" an intimate group gathered at Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia

This was an open conversation lead by our Community Liaison, Ellen Suls MacDonald centered on Jewish traditions and the practical realities that follow a loss.

Topics included:
- The role of the funeral home in coordinating logistical details
- What is a Tahara
- The role of the Chevra Kadisha
- How communal support emerges in moments of grief

The group exchanged insights, shared experiences, and explored how Jewish rituals bring clarity and comfort during uncertain times.

The event offered a meaningful space to learn, connect, and reaffirm the value of tradition through open-hearted dialogue.

07/24/2025

Can Non-Jews Attend a Shiva? Absolutely. 🕯️
If you've been invited to a Shiva but you're not Jewish, you may wonder if it’s appropriate to attend. The answer is a heartfelt yes.

Shiva is a sacred time of mourning and remembrance. Whether you're a friend, colleague, or neighbor, your presence offers comfort and support that truly matters.

🤍 What is Shiva?
It’s a seven-day Jewish mourning period held after burial. Families gather to reflect, pray, and receive visitors. Your quiet support helps honor their loved one’s memory.

🤝 Do I Need to Be Jewish to Attend?
Not at all. Shiva welcomes anyone who wants to support the grieving family. Interfaith friendships are deeply valued in communities like Tysons Corner, Arlington, DC, and Maryland.

🍽️ What Should I Bring?
Skip the flowers; Jewish tradition prefers thoughtful gifts like kosher meals, Shiva platters, or a donation in the loved one’s name.

At Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals, we help families and their friends honor Jewish mourning customs with kindness and clarity.

👉 Questions about attending a Shiva or Jewish funeral customs? We’re here to help.