When a loved one dies, the first steps are simple: confirm the death with a doctor, hospice nurse, or by calling 911, then contact a licensed cremation provider. In Florida, a funeral home can begin arrangements right away, even overnight, and can guide you through the required paperwork. Gathering a few basic details about your loved one helps the process move smoothly from that very first call.
If you are reading this in the hours right after a loss, you are probably exhausted, a little unsteady, and not sure who to call first. That is completely normal. You do not have to figure out every step on your own.
This guide walks through exactly what to do first, what Jewish tradition asks of you in these early days, and how our team can help.
Jewish Cremation helps South Florida families through this exact moment, with cremation care that honors Jewish tradition. This article will help you know what comes next.
Who to Call First
Your first call depends on where your loved one died. If they were under hospice care and the death was expected, call the hospice nurse first, not 911. The nurse will pronounce the death and start the paperwork process.
If your loved one died in a hospital or nursing home, the staff will handle the pronouncement and next steps. If the death happened at home unexpectedly, call 911 so emergency responders can confirm what happened.
Once the death has been confirmed, call Jewish Cremation at (561) 865-1746. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we will guide you through transportation of the deceased and every step that follows.
What to Have Ready
Having a few basic details on hand helps our team move quickly on your behalf. You do not need everything right away, and we can help you track down anything missing. See our guide to documents needed for cremation for a full breakdown.
- Your loved one's full legal name and date of birth
- Their Social Security number, if you have it
- The name of their physician or hospice, if applicable
- Next of kin contact information
- Veteran discharge papers (DD-214), if they served
- Any pre-planning paperwork already on file with us
How Jewish Tradition Shapes the First Days
Jewish tradition calls for burial to happen quickly, often within 24 hours of death. Cremation follows a different legal timeline in Florida, but the spirit of moving with care and promptness still applies. Once cremation is complete, your family can move into Shiva, the seven day period of mourning at home, and begin reciting Kaddish. Our guide to Shiva and Kaddish after cremation walks through what that week can look like.
We can arrange cremation with Jewish memorial elements such as a Shiva candle, a portion of Israeli earth, and an acknowledgment card, so these traditions are honored even without a burial. A rabbi can also lead a memorial service if your family would like one.
What Happens Next With Cremation
Florida law requires a waiting period of at least 48 hours after death before cremation can take place, under Florida Statute 872.03. This gives your family time and also allows for any required review. During this window, our team arranges transportation of your loved one and coordinates every document the crematory requires.
Before cremation, you may request a private family viewing. Afterward, you can choose from our Jewish cremation package options, including a Star of David wood urn, a keepsake urn, or an urn vault. You may also plan a cremation with graveside service or a Jewish ash scattering ceremony if that feels right for your family.
How Our Team Guides You, Day or Night
You can call us any hour, any day, because grief does not wait for business hours. Our funeral professionals will walk you through each decision at your pace, explain your options in plain language, and coordinate directly with the crematory so you do not have to. If you would like a broader overview first, our guide on how to plan a cremation is a helpful starting point.
There is no pressure to decide everything at once. If your loved one already completed pre-planning paperwork with us, we will have it on file and can move forward right away.
Serving Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County Families
Boynton Beach is home to a large, multi-generational Jewish community, with several synagogues and Chabad centers active across the city. Families near Bethesda Hospital East and throughout Palm Beach County call on us at all hours, and our team also coordinates veterans cremation services, including connections to South Florida National Cemetery in nearby Lake Worth for families who want that option honored.
Wherever you are in Boynton Beach or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, our team can reach you quickly and guide you from that first phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do When a Loved One Dies
What is the first thing I should do when someone dies at home?
If the death was expected under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first. They will pronounce the death and begin the required paperwork. If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 911 first so emergency responders can confirm what happened. Once the death is confirmed, call our team at (561) 865-1746 and we will take care of the next steps, including transportation.
Who do I need to call after a death in Boynton Beach or Palm Beach County?
Call the hospice nurse or physician first if the death was expected, or 911 if it was not. After that, call Jewish Cremation. We serve families throughout Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County and are available 24 hours a day to arrange cremation and guide you through Jewish memorial options.
What documents are needed to arrange a cremation in Florida?
You will need a signed cremation authorization from the legally authorized next of kin, a completed death certificate, and a burial transit permit, which our team helps arrange. Basic information like your loved one's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number speeds up the process, though we can help track down anything you do not have yet.
Does Jewish law require cremation to happen right away?
Jewish tradition calls for burial soon after death, often within 24 hours. Cremation follows Florida's legal timeline instead, which requires a minimum 48 hour waiting period under state law. We work within that timeline while still honoring Jewish tradition through elements like Kaddish, a Shiva candle, and Israeli earth.
Can I still sit Shiva and say Kaddish if I choose cremation?
Yes. Many families choose cremation with Jewish memorial elements and still observe Shiva at home and recite Kaddish. We can provide a Shiva candle and coordinate a rabbi led memorial service so your family can mourn in the way that feels most familiar and meaningful to you.
Is Jewish Cremation available at night or on weekends?
Yes. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Grief and loss do not follow a schedule, and neither does our team. Call (561) 865-1746 any time you need us, and we will answer.
Whenever you are ready to talk, we are here. There is no rush and no pressure, only people who understand what this moment feels like and who know how to help. Call Jewish Cremation at (561) 865-1746 any time, day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also reach out through our planning form whenever it feels right for you.
