advertisement | The Dorfman Chapel

Supporting Families

Dorfman family provides comfort and guidance
to those dealing with loss.

By Maureen McDonald

RUDY THOMAS

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P

eriodically, strangers eagerly
step inside the Dorfman
Chapel hoping to book a large
wedding. They are surprised
and disappointed to learn they are in a
funeral home.
The facility represents the
Dorfman philosophy: honoring the
deceased, meeting the needs of
families and providing positive lasting
memories. The Dorfman Chapel has the
feel of a home rather than an institution.
Often after funerals, people sit in the
comfortable couches in the foyer and
socialize or read the Jewish News and
other Jewish magazines. The highlight
of the chapel is the wall-sized, stained-
glass window of the Tree of Life. Fine
art adorns the walls, adding beauty and
soothing those in distress. Outside the
family room, a beautiful outdoor garden
allows families to view or sit in the
comfort of nature.
People ask the Dorfmans, “How can
you do this?”
Jonathan Dorfman, a licensed funeral
director and a clinical psychologist

specializing in grief therapy, answers,
“People find structure in the tradition
of Jewish funerals and rituals. When
things are in disarray, when grief is
overpowering, the structure helps them
move forward.”

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Jonathan created a bereavement library
inside the building for anyone suffering
a loss with a wide range of books that
serve professionals, volunteers, spouses,
parents, teens and children. He also works
with and speaks to many organizations,
as well as leads groups of students and
parents on tours of the facility, answering
many questions.

“As funeral directors, we believe we
have an obligation to provide support
for families before, during and after
their time of loss,” Alan Dorfman says.
This philosphy materialized in
teaching widows how to write a check
or helping them learn how to sell a car
or whom to call for a home repair —
even helping to guide people in what
to do when a pet dies. The Dorfmans
distribute thousands of Jewish
calendars filled with beautiful Jewish
art. They work to provide gravestones
for unmarked graves and assist with
other charities.
People ask them if they can separate
themselves from the grief.
“We never lose our humanity.
We always feel. It is more than a
business,” Jonathan says. “We have
cried over the pain and loss of families
but still provide professionalism and
guidance. Our purpose is to help.”
Can funeral homes also have humor
or excitement? Jonathan has often
found names with phone numbers of
single women thrust into his pockets

by loving grandmothers. He is happily
married with four beautiful children and
wears his wedding band.
Some notable funerals at Dorfman:
Once, the Supremes sang at a
funeral; Alex Trebek of Jeopardy spoke
and a group of armed bounty hunters
tried to nab a member of a family.
Another time, a special piano was flown
in for one service.
The Dorfman Chapel is family-
run. Alan has been a licensed funeral
director for over 50 years. Jonathan was
the impetus for establishing the facility
in Farmington Hills, centrally located
for the Jewish community with close
proximity to the cemeteries. Mom and
wife Stephanie Dorfman, a retired high
school teacher, works as their secretary.
Whether a funeral with 2,000 or 10,
most importantly, families choose
the Dorfman Chapel because they
appreciate the personal care of Alan
and Jonathan, who treat all families as
their own with the gentle guidance that
allows families to remain true to their
own wishes while adhering to proper
Jewish funeral procedures.
“Our reward is the hugs and thanks
from families for making these times
easier,” Jonathan says. Y

The Dorfman Chapel

30440 W. 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 406-6000
www.thedormanchapel.com

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July 18 • 2017

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