Pikuach nefesh (Hebrew: פיקוח נפש, "saving a life") describes the principle in Jewish law that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious rule.

The continued progression of COVID-19 is drastically changing our community’s awareness and reaction to this pandemic. On March 14, 2020 Monroe County Declared a State of Emergency and closed school’s county wide.

On March 15, 2020 the Center for Disease Control stated “the CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.”

Brighton Memorial Chapel, Inc. is dedicated to serving families in our care, protecting our staff and their families and doing our part to protect the community at-large.

Our staff is following specific procedures and policies to protect our community’s health and mitigate spread of this virus.

Brighton Memorial Chapel, Inc. continues to work with families, whether we meet in person or through the amazing technology we have today, such as FaceTime, Skype, etc. 

As of now, we are still working with the Rochester Men's & Women's Chevra Kadisha to have Taharah’s for those who request them. 

Respectful of the County Department of Health, the State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control recommendations AND our company’s commitment to supporting best practices during this unique time in history we are suggesting our families consider.

  • Private “family” only  [limiting attendance to 10  people] graveside services are what we are able to offer. This is based on the CDC recommendation & the restrictions the Rochester Board of Rabbis and local cemeteries have posted. . None of our local Shuls & Temples are open at this time to the public.  
  • You may celebrate a public memorial service at a future date. The funeral home will gladly assist in arranging public memorial services​

We are available by e-mail Jarrod@BrightonMC.com or phone (585) 427-8520 to discuss any concerns for any member of our community.

Sincerely,

Jarrod M. Krieger

President/Owner

Below is a letter from the Rochester Board of Rabbis:
Dear Members of the Rochester Jewish community,

We find ourselves at a very difficult time when social distancing is our number one priority in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With the request of our government, we understand that lowering the amount of people present at any gathering will lead to preserving and saving life.

With great pain, we must address what will take place when families face the passing of a loved one. We always encourage others to honor the deceased and pay respects to the family, which usually results in large gatherings. Currently, this is not possible. The necessary protocol for all funerals is to hold a graveside service with immediate family aiming to have a gathering of 10 for the family to recite the mourners Kaddish. This will allow the appropriate distance between people while still conducting all necessities of a funeral service.

We understand that this is a pressing time in our lives and the world at large. At a funeral, our Mitzvah is to show the proper Kavod, honor to the deceased. In today’s situation, we believe that the highest level of Kavod we can give to the Neshama is to display the greatest concern for preserving life.

In response to conduct during Shiva, we ask that no visiting hours be scheduled and that minyanim at the mourner’s home not take place. We encourage that the Shiva visit be accomplished through phone call or skype.

We invite all families who face the pain of loss to speak with their Rabbi to plan accordingly during their time of grief.

May this difficult moment in our history find an end. May the tears of sorrow and pain transform to a day when tears of joy and celebration fill our world.

With sincere wishes of safety and health,

Rochester Board of Rabbis,
Rabbi Avi Kilimnick, President

TO VIEW A LIVE WEBCAST PLEASE VISIT THE INDIVIDUALS MEMORIAL PAGE BY SELECTING THEIR NAME TO THE RIGHT.

We have compiled information of interest for the Jewish Community of Rochester.  With this in mind, we present a website that should provide you with:

  • Information about our funeral home, including directions, an up-to-date schedule of funeral services, pictures of our facility, and a funeral email notification system.
  • Detailed death notices, and a way to communicate with the families we serve via an e-condolence. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR EMAIL NOTIFICATION LIST.
  • A secure interactive form to request additional information, Yahrzeit calendars and a way to communicate with the funeral home.
  • A detailed resource of Jewish funeral customs, prayers and meditations, monuments, as well as a list of local Jewish resources.
  • And our NEWEST feature, being able to offer the option to watch a funeral services held in our chapel online if family or friends are not able to attend.     

Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that we have to offer.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at anytime, We are available by phone or e-mail, or by appointment. Please know we are always here to help.

Our Mission

Opened as an alternative for our community, it is our mission to provide the Jewish population of Rochester with an affordable, modern and convenient choice at a time when the need is most important. We pledge to utilize our local ownership to offer a dignified array of services to Jewish families, and give back to the community we live in and serve.

Large corporations answer to shareholders and investors. We answer to YOU – the members of our community. In our locally owned, single facility company, there are no pressures to increase profits or grow to other communities. The owner, Jarrod M. Krieger, is a life-long resident of Rochester, committed to the community he lives, works, volunteers, and is raising his children in. 

We encourage you to arrange a meeting to view our facility, meet our staff and discuss your funeral needs.  You are NEVER obligated to use our services.