About - Last Kindness Providing Kindness

Arranging after-life care can be stressful.

What if you could turn to a friend who’s done this 95,000 times?

You Can.

Even if this is your first visit, we already care about you.

And we’re here for you.

Helping people move on to their eternal rest is a mitzvah (Torah commandment). It is known to be the ‘last kindness’ we can do for them. When you reach out to us for support and resources to navigate this challenging time, we perform this cherished mitzvah together.

mission

Our sole mission is to make burial arrangements simple and meaningful

Whether you are seeking to proactively arrange “pre-need” after-life care, need urgent assistance with an imminent or recent death, or simply want to explore the Jewish approach to caring for those who have died, we’re here to help.

ORIGIN

A continuum of community service

Last Kindness was founded in 2021 as a sister organization to NASCK (National Association of Chevra Kadisha in America). For 40 years, NASCK has led 152 volunteer burial societies in honoring departed Jews by preparing them for burial.

These valued relationships help us help you.

When time and resources are limited, or situations turn complex, we know who to call.

funeral homes

cemeteries

volunteer burial
societies

Need help outside the US and Canada? Ask, and we’ll do our best to guide you.

cause

Last Kindness was founded to end cremation amongst Jews

For centuries, cremation was mostly popular among pagan (polytheistic) societies. Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism often require the practice and in many cases, have done so for thousands of years. However, Jewish law and tradition always forbade the burning of bodies. So did Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and many other Christian sects. When the Catholic Church lifted its ban on cremation in 1963, the practice started spreading across Western society.

Fueled by a $2.3 billion cremation industry, even Jews started considering what was previously unthinkable.

It’s hard when you just don’t know

“Although I would prefer the tradition of burial, the cost is prohibitive to me as I have no relatives or financial assistance. After a great deal of searching and inquiring in various places, I discovered that the only thing I could afford would be cremation. Both my parents were also cremated for the same reason and I must admit I miss being able to visit their graves. It is quite a problem in this age where cost must fight with tradition.”

“After my dad died, I started reading up about cremation, and I was horrified at what I had done. People assume cremation is more economical, environmental, even spiritual. But it’s not. It’s violent. It makes me nauseous even to think about it. Cremation ends the DNA. It stops the soul from going through its journey. Access to this material is super important. In the end we arranged to bury Mom on the other side of the fence from Dad.”

“I’m emotionally torn. I think cemetery plots take up too much room already. On the other hand, cremating is not a kind and gentle way to dispose of a body. Plus, that’s what the ****** Nazis and their enablers did to too many Jews during the Holocaust.”

In their most vulnerable moments, these people lacked information.

It’s not that the vision of a body burning, of bones being pulverized, and toxins released into the air was appealing. That’s not why they opted for cremation. They would have liked to keep within Jewish tradition, if it could work for them.

Everyone needs guidance in a challenging situation.

That’s exactly what we do here at Last Kindness

No matter what your level of observance is, you’re entitled to a respectful Jewish burial for yourself and your loved ones.

Our counselors are knowledgeable & understanding

100,000
burials facilitated

A combined 78 years of counseling the ill and bereaved

100%
dedicated to helping