How To Choose The Right Celebrant Or Clergy Member For Your Loved One's Service

By: Tom Gallagher
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

At Sholom Chapel, we know that planning a funeral can be an emotional and taxing experience when you're grieving the loss of a loved one. Choosing a suitable minister or celebrant that understands Jewish funeral Traditions To Preside Over The Ceremony Is Essential.

Jewish Funeral Traditions And Choosing The Right Celebrant Or Clergy Member

Remember the following when deciding on a clergy member or celebrant for your loved one's funeral.

  • Whether you want a religious or secular service should be your first decision. If your deceased loved one was religious, a priest or minister from their church might be an appropriate choice. A secular celebrant may be preferable if your deceased loved one was not religious or did not adhere to any particular faith and Jewish funeral traditions.
  • Choosing someone with a personal connection to your loved one is essential. Someone who knew your loved one well or has taken the time to learn about them and their life story would be ideal.
  • Experience matters when choosing a celebrant or religious leader to lead a service. Is the funeral home familiar with holding services of similar scope and scale? You may learn a lot about a company's experience and quality of service by requesting references or reading reviews from happy customers.
  • Verify that the celebrant or clergyperson of your choice is available on the day and time of the service. Confirming this early in the planning phase might help you prevent any surprises later on.
  • Take into account the celebrant's or clergy’s preferred style and tone. Have they had a look that would appeal to your loved one? Is their aesthetic a good fit for the kind of service you hope to get from them?
  • Your selected service provider should be adaptable to meet your needs and preferences. This includes the sequence of events, music selection, and other personal preferences.
  • Religious leaders and celebrants may request payment for their services. The price should be reasonable and fit into your budget. You may also want to check the prices of various clergy members and celebrants to be sure you're not overpaying.

For more details about Jewish funeral traditions and how we can personalize a funeral or memorial service, call Sholom Chapel at (310) 659-3055/(818) 899-5215. You can also email us through this contact form, and one of Sholom Chapel's funeral experts will call you soon to discuss your requirements. 

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