Dear Valued Member of our Family & Community,
We understand that all of the news coverage and concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus can raise a lot of questions regarding funerals. We want you to know that Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Raphael-Sacks, Inc. is still here to assist you 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Arrangements can also be made via phone and email, and families are still welcome to come in and meet with directors. We are taking every precaution to provide you and your loved ones with a safe environment.
In an effort to avoid unnecessary spread of the virus, we are temporarily requiring that all families heed the advice of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and will not be doing any chapel services. Families wishing to have a small private viewing may do so, inquire about details. Graveside services will be limited to under 10 people. Cemetery policies vary so please speak with your funeral director for specific information. We will not be providing limousines for the families at this time.
In respect to our Orthodox families and mourning traditions, we are offering taharah and shomer services. Please speak with one of our directors regarding your specific needs.
We can also facilitate a Virtual Funeral Service either in one of our chapels or graveside through a video application where the officiant and/or family can participate.
Mourners will receive Kriah ribbons and family members can pin themselves. We will also provide you guest books, Yahrzeit candles, and thank you cards. Unfortunately, for now, we will not be supplying memorial pamphlets, kipots/veils or shiva equipment.
We recommend that you take the following preventative actions:
- If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone who has been to a foreign country or has been sick, please stay home.
- Limit the number of people who attend the shiva to immediate family. Condolences can be sent via social media, text, or a phone call.
- We highly recommend that the elderly and those with chronic illnesses avoid all funerals and shiva until which time the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.
- Watch the funeral via our live stream application – the link can be provided by the family.
- Avoid hugging, kissing, or even shaking hands with others.
- Employ “social distancing” in your everyday life.
- Use tissues when you sneeze or cough and throw it away in the trash.
A guide to grieving during COVID-19, see below to read the booklet
Our intention is to provide you and your loved ones with the funeral services you require while managing to keep all of you safe. We have reviewed information from local and federal sources, including the CDC, The City of Philadelphia, and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and will continue to monitor the situation as changes arise.
From our family to yours, thank you for your business and understanding.
Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Raphael Sack’s, Inc.
To read an e-copy of the Guide for Grieving During COVID-19 Pandemic click below
This book written by Sara Murphy, Ph.D., CT is for anyone who lost someone during the COVID-19 pandemic or is looking to support someone who has. Knowing that is an extremely difficult time and funerals are not allowing large groups of family and friends to attend, people are feeling very alone. This guide will help you understand the grieving process and how it has changed.