• Answering Questions About Scattering Cremated Remains

    Cremation Oakland

    Are you considering cremation for your deceased loved one? If so, then you may have questions about your options after this process. Many families choose to scatter the cremated remains following cremation services . Continue reading to learn the answers to common questions about this practice.

    Is it legal to scatter cremated human remains?
    It’s legal in all 50 states to scatter cremated remains. However, locations such as state and national parks may require that you obtain a permit. If you’re thinking about scattering the cremated remains at sea, then this must be performed at least 3 miles from land, and other conditions may apply. Finally, you must obtain permission from the property’s owner before scattering cremated remains on private land.

    Can cremated remains be scattered in more than 1 location?
    It’s not uncommon for family members to scatter a deceased loved one’s cremated remains in more than 1 place. Also, people sometimes choose to scatter a portion of the cremated remains and keep what is left stored in an urn.

    What should I expect when I scatter cremated remains?
    Often, people are surprised by the appearance of cremated remains. The cremation process removes the organic matter and what is left are bones, which are then pulverized to form what people commonly refer to as ashes. You will find that there are bone fragments present when scattering cremated remains. Generally, the cremated remains of adult males weigh close to 6 pounds, and those of adult females weigh about 4 pounds.

    How should I prepare to scatter cremated remains?
    First, select a location where you would like to perform the ritual. Next, learn about any special regulations for the area and obtain permission or a permit, if necessary. Then, consider if you would like to perform a reading or play a song during the scattering. Lastly, keep in mind that any wind will be a factor in this process, so choose your position and direction accordingly.

    Chapel of the Chimes Oakland offers cremation and funeral services in Oakland. To find out more, please give us a call today at (510) 654-0123.

  • What You Can Expect at a Jewish Funeral

    Cemetery Oakland

    Have you been invited to a funeral home to attend a Jewish funeral? If so, and if this will be your first time experiencing this type of event, then you probably have questions about the customs involved. Read on to learn what you can expect at a Jewish funeral.

    The Funeral Service
    When you attend a Jewish funeral service, you will witness the recitation of Psalms, Scripture readings, and the reading of the eulogy. Before or just after the service, mourning family members of the deceased perform a ritual called K’riah , which is an ancient tradition symbolic of the rendering of the mourner’s heart. Clothing is customarily torn during this ritual, but many people now choose to wear a black ribbon, instead. Individuals mourning the loss of a parent wear the ribbon or tear their clothing on the left side, while all other close relatives do so on the right.

    The Burial Process
    Following the service, the deceased is taken and accompanied to his or her final resting place. Once the casket has been placed and the grave filled, the mourners’ prayer, or Kaddish , is recited. Also, mourners and friends show Chesed Shel Emet to the deceased by shoveling some earth onto the vault or casket below. Chesed Shel Emet is considered to be the ultimate act of kindness, love, and selflessness because the deceased is unable to ask the mourners to or repay or thank them for seeing to his or her proper burial.

    The Cemetery Departure
    Following the burial, it is traditional in Jewish funerals for all those in attendance who aren’t among the mourners to form a pathway by standing in a set of double lines in which they face one another, called a Shura . Then, the mourners leave the gravesite by passing through this walkway. Finally, customary condolences are given to the mourners once the burial is complete.

    Chapel of the Chimes Oakland is experienced in providing a broad range of cremation and funeral services. If you need to plan a Jewish funeral in Oakland, then please call us at (510) 654-0123.

  • Should You Bring Your Child to a Public Viewing?

    Funeral Home Oakland

    During a viewing, the body of the deceased individual is present and visible. When planning a visit to funeral home following the death of a friend or family member, it’s common for parents to wonder if it is appropriate to allow children to attend a public viewing.

    According to many experts, you should feel comfortable bringing your kids to a viewing if you expect them to remain well-behaved. If you have children who are under age 2, then consider leaving them with a babysitter. Also, parents need to make a judgment call about whether their kids are mature enough to attend a funeral and viewing. Consider asking your child whether he or she would like to attend, and then make a decision based on the conversation that follows.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, our funeral home offers grief counseling services and resources for funeral planning in Oakland. Please call (510) 654-0123 to learn more.