We are family

By Joshua Tobias

I walked into a shiva house recently for a family who recently had a funeral at our chapel. I had not met them prior to making the arrangements just two days beforehand. However, when I walked in, it felt like entering the house of a family member. There were hugs, kisses, tears and, overall, just a really comfortable feeling.

It made me realize something. I used to think that we were here to service families in the Detroit Jewish community. I now understand that this community is one big family and The Ira Kaufman Chapel is a part of that family. This is true on several levels. Over the last almost 70 years, we have assisted so many families, that it is somewhat unusual for us to arrange a funeral for a family whom we have not worked with in the past.

There is a comfort that goes along with that familiarity. We are able to share what arrangements were made the last time a member of their family died, which is often helpful in the current decision making process.

I recently met with two sisters who were looking to pre-arrange a funeral for their mother, who is very ill. They came to the chapel without a real idea of what they wanted to do. I told them what was done for their grandparents 30 and 40 years ago, what had taken place. This then snowballed into a conversation about what we had arranged for other members of their family. One sister even remarked that we seemed to know more about her family than she does.

That is the point. If we’ve assisted your family in the past, you know that we are there when you want us. It isn’t only because we have been doing this for almost 70 years, but because we are a part of your family. Be comforted in knowing that your family at The Ira Kaufman Chapel is here for you in your time of need.

For those of you whom we have yet to meet, you can be assured that The Ira Kaufman Chapel provides quality and caring support and will be there for you.