History

Our tradition has historic roots that reach back to the third and fourth centuries. Then, Jews in each town or city were organized into a single unified community. One large Chevra Kadisha, the holy burial society which helped arrange and perform last rites for Jews, served their needs.

But in America, Chevra Kadishas were smaller and more numerous, often one to each synagogue. What's more, mortuary establishments and funeral directors emerged here as private professions, taking over many of the sacred duties once exclusive to the Chevra Kadisha. As a result, traditional burial societies were often reduced to a congregation's cemetery committee. In many cases, they simply disappeared.

A remarkable exception was in San Francisco. Here, the tiny burial society flourished and became a formidable Jewish institution - Sinai Memorial Chapel. Whatever the reason, from its earliest days San Francisco's Chevra Kadisha was a unifying force in the Jewish Community, one representing all elements of Jewish life.

Our long tradition of service uniquely blends the mitzvahs of Chevra Kadisha and Tzedakah, the giving of charity. Tzedakah provides members of the Jewish community with a unique opportunity to support and preserve Judaism's precious values from one generation to the next.

When it becomes necessary to make final arrangements for your loved ones, you simultaneously perform a service to the community by helping to support educational and social service programs offered by the Congregations, and other Jewish organizations.

The function of Chevra Kadisha is, and has always been, to ensure proper observation of funeral rites and burial traditions for all Jews - Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, even those Jews with no formal affiliation. No Jewish family is turned away. From time to time, we assist with subsidized or free burial services to indigent Jews. These families may also be eligible for assistance from other agencies. When needed, we cooperate with Jewish Family and Children's Services and the Public Administrator. On several poignant occasions, Sinai has arranged infant burials at no charge to the grieving parents.

All Jews who come to Sinai are guided with respect and kindness through the necessary arrangements for traditional services and interment in consecrated ground.

In keeping with our tradition, it has always been our practice to consider the wishes of the families as well as the guidance of the Rabbis and Cantors. We remain deeply indebted to the Rabbis and Cantors who officiate at the funeral services. Our entire community continues to reap the blessing of their compassion and the dedication of their spiritual leadership.