Model Funeral

Alleviating the fear and mystery of death and dying for children is a daunting task. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is proud to have been selected by the innovative staff of the Santa Monica Synagogue, Rabbi Jeff Marx, and Lori Daitch, Director of Education, to provide model funerals for children ages 9 through 11. The process is much like a real funeral and has become one of the most successful and enlightening of the family life cycle programs synagogues conduct here at Hillside.

What:
This light yet informative session targeted at young audiences, begins with the rabbi discussing death and what is common for a Jewish funeral. Someone announces that Bernard Dinotzuris just died and everyone must travel to the mortuary to make the arrangements. Parents and students come to Hillside where they tour the selection room (caskets, urns, etc.) then meet in the chapel for Bernie’s funeral. The service then proceeds to a mock interment site and then to a faux unveiling of the marker.

Hillside provides a basic script and other materials, including a recently deceased Bernie stuffed toy prop.

When:
By appointment only. If you are interested in organizing a Model Funeral education session for your school, group or organization, please contact Jill Glasband directly by phone at 800-576-1994 or by email at jglasband@hillsidememorial.org