• How to Act at a Funeral

    Attending a funeral can be an emotionally difficult experience. But by acting politely and appropriately, you can make it through the funeral without any problems. Wearing black is considered standard for a funeral, as is bringing flowers or a card for the bereaved. Before you leave, pay your condolences to the family of the deceased. Watch this video for more tips that will help you help the social etiquette that is expected at a funeral service.

    If you are looking for the right funeral home in Oakland , look no further than Chapel of the Chimes. Call us at (510) 654-0123 or check out our website to learn more about the funeral services and cremation services we offer.

  • Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center Remembrance Ceremony – Nov. 8, 2014

    Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center is holding its annual Remembrance Ceremony at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland on Saturday, November 8th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

    Join us as we celebrate the children we have loved and lost. Light refreshments will be served at this non-denominational event.

    Remembrance Ceremony - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland - Nov 8 2014

  • Where to Turn After You Experience a Loss

    Losing somebody important can give rise to some deeply unpleasant feelings. Many people feel sad, lonely, confused, and even angry after suffering a serious loss. At Chapel of the Chimes, one of the leading funeral homes in Oakland , we care about your loss and want to help you work through your pain, which is why we offer 24/7 online grief support services through our website. To learn more about the other resources you can turn to after experiencing a loss, read this article.

    Grief Counseling

    Family and Friends

    If you have family and friends to turn to after experiencing loss , you are very lucky. It can be especially helpful, in terms of healing, to speak with family members or friends who were close to the person you lost. Keep in mind that some friends and family members will not ask you about your loss, even though they care about you and are concerned for you, because they worry that it will be a hurtful subject for you to discuss.

    Grief Counselors

    Many people, including those with excellent support from friends and family, find it helpful to talk to a professional grief counselor who can focus specifically on your grief. This can be a very effective way to work through your emotions and accept the death of your loved one. If you aren’t sure if one-on-one counseling is for you, find a support group instead. Many support groups are specialized for certain types of loss.

    Healthful Living

    It’s essential to remember to take care of yourself after you experience a loss. In fact, the physical effects can be just as intense as the emotional ones. Eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and do things you enjoy.

    For support in your time of need, visit Chapel of the Chimes Oakland online, where we offer 24/7 online grief support services. For more information about the funeral services we offer, or find out which support groups are in your area, visit our website or call us at (510) 654-0123.

  • Service of Remembrance – October 23, 2014

    Join us along with Sutter Care at Home Thursday, October 23rd, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a special gathering to honor the memory of loved ones who have died.

    For more information, call the Bereavement Program at (510) 450-8728.

    Service of Remembrance - October 23, 2014

  • Death Cafe – November 4, 2014

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    Join us November 4, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. for Death Cafe. Death Cafe is an international movement that brings people together for lively conversation about death. At Death Cafes, people drink tea, eat cake and discuss death. Our aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives.

    You can learn more about Death Cafe on their website . This Death Cafe will be led by Brooke Deputy. You can contact her at brooke@brookedeputy.com.

    Attendance is free, but you must register through Eventbrite to attend. 

  • Exploring Normal Reactions to Grief

    Nostalgia

    There is no “normal” way to grieve because everyone experiences loss in a unique way. However, it is quite common to feel as though you’re on a “rollercoaster” of emotions. As you move through the grieving process, you may start to feel a little better for a few days, only to experience intense emotions again later. Many people experience feelings of shock or numbness shortly after the death. These feelings may persist through the funeral service and burial or cremation. You might feel as though you have little energy to complete daily tasks and you may feel that completing the usual tasks of daily life is pointless.

    In addition to periods of numbness, it’s common to experience episodes of intense anger or rage. You may even feel angry at the decedent, despite knowing that this anger is irrational. As the anger passes, you may feel sadness and depression, accompanied by anxiety or fearfulness. While you cope with the many reactions of grief, it can be helpful to consult a grief counselor or join a bereavement support group.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland , a leading funeral home and cemetery, we would like you to know that you’re never alone in your grief. Call (510) 654-0123 or visit the website of our funeral home to learn more about our 24/7 grief support services.

  • A Look at Jewish Funeral Traditions

    The specific elements of Jewish funeral traditions can vary from community to community. However, the basic concepts tend to remain the same. Friends of mourners who follow the Jewish faith may wish to learn more about the typical funeral service and how to express condolences before calling on the family. Doing so is a sign of respect to the family and the decedent, and will help you offer comfort to the family without committing any faux pas. 

    A Look at Jewish Funeral Traditions - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland

    Expressing Condolences

    Many cultures rely on a gift of flowers for the bereaved as a means of expressing condolences. However, sending flowers to the funeral home or family home is generally frowned upon in the Jewish tradition . Instead, you can express your condolences to the family by offering kosher meals, sending a sympathy gift basket, or sending a sympathy card to the family while they are sitting shiva. It is also considered a thoughtful and kind gesture to have a tree planted in Israel in memory of the decedent.

    Arranging the Funeral Service

    A Jewish funeral traditionally takes place within 24 hours of the passing. The body is not generally embalmed, but rather is washed and placed respectfully within a closed casket. A rabbi conducts the funeral service, and family members may share eulogies and prayers.

    Sitting Shiva

    The mourning period immediately following the funeral service and burial is referred to as “sitting shiva.” It is traditionally a seven-day time period during which the immediate family members remain in the home to mourn the loss of the decedent. They may recite prayers and follow other Jewish customs during this time. While the family is sitting shiva, it is appropriate for extended family and friends to visit the shiva home to express condolences. A shiva call should generally not last longer than an hour. Callers should avoid initiating conversation, but rather listen and offer support when appropriate.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland , our funeral home professionals have experience with arranging funeral services that respect various traditions and faiths. For help arranging a funeral service and burial for your loved one, please call our Oakland-area funeral home at (510) 654-0123. If you’re a friend of the family who wishes to express condolences, our funeral home offers an array of sympathy gift baskets at our online store, including kosher gifts. 

  • Jazz at the Chimes – November 16, 2014

    Join us Sunday, November 16th, at 2 p.m. for Jazz at the Chimes featuring Latin Jazz Vocalist Maria Marquez.

    General admission tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors and students). For more information, visit our website  or call (510) 654-0123.

    Nov 2014 Jazz at the Chimes - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland