13O0in I Hebrew Memorial Chapel

Not Your Grandparents'

Hebrew Memorial, a modern chapel that is rich in tradition.

Karen Schultz Tarnopol { Special to Boom

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The lobby and clergy rooms have been
remodeled.

T

he image many have of a funeral
home is one of an old and stuffy
environment with very old
traditions and little flexibility. Hebrew
Memorial is very proud of the rich
traditions it follows — and also how
modern it has grown to become.
With almost 100 years dedicated
to assisting the community, Hebrew
Memorial Chapel — often referred to
in Hebrew as "Chesed Shel Emes" or
simply "The Chesed" — is one of the few
nonprofit funeral homes in the country.
"The profit motive is not our motive.
Our main concern is focusing on service
and taking the time to make sure families
get the care they deserve and need," says
Otto Dube, managing funeral director.
With an eye to the future, Hebrew
Memorial Chapel has just completed a

22 BOOM Magazine • February 2013

Everything from top to bottom is new at Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

major two-year renovation project. Staci
Meyers of Dominick Tringali Architects,
in conjunction with Lynne Levin, created
the warm, transitional style that is unlike
that of a typical funeral home. The decor,
in fact, actually resembles some of the
finer hotels in town. It was a wall-to-wall
remodel, including doorways, floors,
chandeliers and refinished pews in both
chapels with beautiful and comfortable
cushions. The family room has been
expanded and remodeled along with a
new clergy room that was designed for
families to meet with clergy.
"Nothing was left untouched," Dube
says.
"I personally have a great feeling
of satisfaction being involved with a
100-year-old nonprofit organization
that not only serves the community but

also looks to constantly improve on that
service in every way possible. The new
stately renovation is a testimony to that,"
says Rabbi Boruch E. Levin, executive
director.
Hebrew Memorial Chapel also offers
state-of-the-art technology. A Webcam is
available so services can be viewed from
anywhere in the world, relieving stress
from friends and family who are unable
to travel on short notice.
"A gentleman passed away who had
a physically disabled daughter who
lived out-of-state. She was able to take
a virtual seat in our chapel and watch
her father's funeral on her computer
while the rest of her family stood by the
podium and waved to her," Dube says.
Near the family room there is a
monitor that can display a video tribute