Services

Levine Memorial Chapel’s experienced, compassionate staff is here to provide personalized funeral services to the Capital District community and surrounding area families. We provide guidance to those who have lost a loved one, or to those assisting with final funeral arrangements. We arrange each funeral to ensure that every service detail and family need is meticulously met.

We are able to accommodate a wide range of funeral choices, and serve  the  Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish families. We will help guide and explain to family members all Jewish burial customs. We will arrange for a Tahara (ritual washing) by the Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society) or a Shomer (watcher) at the families request. We will assist you and coordinate in securing a rabbi, filing the appropriate paperwork, and handling Social Security information. Levine Memorial Chapel will help you with every detail through the process.

Detailed on the website are the most common services we provide. If you have special requests, please do not hesitate to ask. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (518) 438-1002, or toll free at 1-800-427-0280. 

At Need

Levine Memorial Chapel provides the funeral or memorial services

  • At the graveside
  • In the chapel of the funeral home
  • In the chapel of the cemetery
  • In the chapel or sanctuary of the temple/synagogue.

Depending on a congregation policy, a service may be held in the temple or synagogue. Families that are not affiliated with a synagogue may choose to have a service in the chapel of the funeral home or a graveside service at the cemetery. 

Graveside Service

Graveside services are held exclusively at the graveside at the cemetery. Friends and family meet at the cemetery, usually a half-hour before the appointed service time. A service at the grave includes all the same elements as those held at the synagogue/temple or the funeral home. A graveside service is no less dignified than any other service location.

Families prefer the convenience of the graveside service. Funeral processions through public streets are eliminated. The time spent at the graveside for the service is not rushed and therefore allows more opportunity for reflection and meditation. Families should also keep in mind the potential for inclement weather. We offer the option for a tent or canopy and can make those arrangements for each family. Levine Memorial Chapel has found graveside services to become more commonly used when serving the families of the Capital District and surrounding areas. 

Chapel, Cemetery Chapel, Synagogue, or Temple Services

Many families feel that a funeral service at the temple/synagogue is very personal and comforting for their family. This is a spiritual home where many joyous and meaningful life cycle events have taken place. Depending on the congregation’s policy, a funeral may be held in the temple/synagogue for a member or a close relative. For families with no congregational affiliation, a funeral can be held in the funeral home chapel.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is normally performed without the deceased present. This is done after a private burial ceremony, in cases of cremation, or if the person died or was interred in another location. A memorial service may be held in the synagogue/temple, at the funeral home, or at a private residence. 

Cremation Services

Levine Memorial Chapel will accommodate families that choose cremation. With this option, there are many alternatives available to you. Our hope is to allow you to take a more personal role in designing a unique and individual tribute to your loved one. Most families appreciate an opportunity to say goodbye to loved ones and to receive condolences and support from family and friends. A service is sometimes held before interment or the cremation process. We will help design a tribute that is personalized for your family and friends. The service can be small or large, private or public, and with any type of officiant (rabbi or someone else chosen by the family). Families should consider:

  • Who will be attending the service or gathering
  • If a clergy member, family member, or friend will officiate the service
  • If the service should take place before or after the cremation process
  • Where the service will take place (funeral home, synagogue/temple, graveside)
  • If the family wishes to have flowers, music, and a display of pictures

If the cremation option is chosen by the family, the cremated remains will be returned to the family in the final container (urn) you select. The urn protects the remains and is designed to be a permanent container or temporary holder before scattering or burial. A complete selection of urns are available from which to chose.

Out of State or Country Deaths
When someone passes away out of state or even out of the country, we recommend calling Levine Memorial Chapel first. We have found that it is more cost effective for the family if you contact one funeral home. We can carry out all of the details with our out of state affiliates and representatives. This will translate into substantial savings to the family. We can also handle arrangements for burial in Israel.