Preparing for a Meaningful Service
Preparing for a Meaningful Service
During your arrangement meeting, your Memorial Counselor will have gone over all the details that help shape a meaningful service. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we ask that these details be confirmed and returned to your dedicated Memorial Counselor at least 24 hours before the service. Please note that for graveside services, some options such as slideshows and music may not be available.
Service Planning Checklist
A simple checklist to help you keep track of all the details.
Service Timeline
We generally plan for services to be about an hour in length, which allows time for your Rabbi (or the person you’ve chosen to lead) to share words of comfort and prayers, for speakers to offer memories, and for a slideshow if you wish to include one.
Parking & Casket Bearers
If there are immediate family members who will need reserved parking, please share their names. For the service, we will need six to eight casket bearers. Please let us know who will be serving in this role.
Music
You are welcome to select music to be played before and after the service. For chapel services, there is typically 30 minutes of music as guests arrive, from the time the chapel doors open until the service begins. We recommend selecting 2–5 songs, which may be played on repeat during this time.
Mount Sinai can create your playlist for you; however, please note that many songs have multiple versions. It is essential that you provide the artist, song title, and specific track you wish us to use to ensure the correct music is played. Mount Sinai cannot take responsibility for incorrect tracks if this information is not provided.
Slideshow & Photos
Please note: Mount Sinai does not create, edit, or assemble slideshows.
If you would like to include a slideshow, we recommend 60–80 photos set to one or two songs, which typically creates a 7–10 minute presentation.
Your slideshow must be submitted as a fully finished file (PowerPoint or MP4) at least 24 hours before your service.
We cannot accept individual image files, as these cannot be displayed as a continuous presentation.
Submitting Your Media: To ensure the best quality and compatibility with our audiovisual systems, please review our media guidelines before preparing your materials.
When your slideshow is ready, share it with our Funeral Services team:
Please also let us know if you plan to bring framed photos and how many easels you will need.
Speakers & Timing
For a successful service, we can accommodate up to six speakers to share their memories of your loved one. Confirming your speakers in advance helps us ensure everything fits smoothly into the flow of the service.
Other Details
If a pall will be needed, please let us know. If there will be a shiva or reception following the service, feel free to share details if you’d like us to pass this information along to guests.
Questions About Your Service?
We’re here to help you create a meaningful tribute. Please include your name and the name of your loved one so we can best assist you.
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