Jewish Funeral Rabbi in Buffalo, NY
Compassionate, experienced support for your family — from the first phone call through the funeral, shiva and beyond.
Has a loved one just passed away?
Call or text Rabbi Labkowski now. He will guide you through what to do next.
Honoring a life with dignity and care
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest moments in life. Jewish tradition offers a path through it — rituals that honor the person who has passed and customs that hold mourners close. Rabbi Labkowski, a hospital chaplain at Kaleida Health and ECMC, has walked alongside many Buffalo families through end of life and loss, and will gently guide you through each step.
How Rabbi Labkowski helps
- Guidance on immediate arrangements and coordination with the funeral home
- Arranging the traditional washing and preparation of the body (tahara) by the Jewish burial society (chevra kadisha)
- Meeting with the family to prepare a personal eulogy
- Officiating the funeral at a chapel or graveside, including the traditional tearing of a garment (kriah)
- Guidance on Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, and help organizing prayer services during shiva, the week of mourning
- The first 30 days of mourning (shloshim), the unveiling of the headstone, and each yearly anniversary (yahrzeit) and memorial service
- End-of-life visits and prayers, including the final confession prayer (Viduy), at the hospital or at home
Jewish funeral traditions
Prompt burial. Out of respect, a Jewish funeral is held as soon as possible, usually within a day or two.
Washing and shrouds (tahara). The body is gently washed and dressed in simple white shrouds by the Jewish burial society (chevra kadisha), a sacred group of volunteers.
Simplicity. A plain wooden casket and burial in the earth reflect the equality of all people before G‑d.
Shiva. For seven days after the burial, mourners stay home and the community comes to comfort them, with prayer services so Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, can be said.
Remembering. The yahrzeit — the yearly anniversary of the passing — is marked by lighting a memorial candle and saying Kaddish.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a death is a Jewish funeral held?
Jewish tradition calls for burial as soon as possible, usually within a day or two, out of respect for the deceased. Call the Rabbi as early as you can and he will help coordinate with the funeral home.
What is shiva?
Shiva is the seven-day mourning period that begins after the burial. Mourners stay at home, family and friends visit to offer comfort, and prayer services are held so that Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, can be recited. Rabbi Labkowski can help organize prayer services and guide you through the customs.
Can you officiate if our family isn’t affiliated with a synagogue?
Yes. Rabbi Labkowski is here for every Jewish family in Buffalo and Western New York, whether or not you have a synagogue or rabbi of your own.
Can the service be held at the graveside?
Yes. Rabbi Labkowski officiates both chapel and graveside services, and will help you decide what is right for your family.
What is an unveiling?
An unveiling is a short ceremony at the cemetery when the headstone is dedicated, usually within the first year after the passing. It includes Psalms, a few words about the loved one and the Kaddish.
You don’t have to do this alone
Call or text Rabbi Labkowski for guidance and support — whenever you need it.