About Us

KAVOD

Founded in 2002, the National Independent Jewish Funeral Directors are providers of Jewish funeral services. We formed this group to create a network of independent family owned Jewish funeral providers to support one another in this changing environment and where many have expressed a need to have an individual service provider who is independent and will facilitate as an advocate for the families that we are all privileged to serve. In 2006, the organization changed its name to Kavod – The Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels. KAVOD in Hebrew means honor, respect, esteem, strong moral principles, and a source of pride. It is with these ideals that this organization has dedicated itself to having only the highest level of family owned Jewish firms as part of its’ organization. The organization became recognized by other national organizations, including the National Funeral Directors Association, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, and the International Order of the Golden Rule, as consultants for Jewish funerals.

Membership to KAVOD is By Invitation Only

 

Officers

PRESIDENT
Jason Goldstein
Roth-Goldsteins' Memorial Chapel
Atlantic City, NJ
VICE PRESIDENT
Joyce E. Torchinsky
Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home
Washington, DC
SECRETARY
Jeff Friedman
Houston Jewish Funerals
Bellaire, TX
TREASURER
Jay Mesnekoff
Mesnekoff Funeral Home
Amherst, NY

 

Rabbinical Avisors
Rabbi Aaron M. Gaber, Congregation Beth Judah, Ventnor, NJ
Rabbi David M. Weis, Congregation Beth Israel, Northfield, NJ

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Samuel Green
Abraham L. Green and Son
Fairfield, CT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2002-2007)
David Brezniak
Brezniak Rodman Funeral Directors
West Newton, MA

PAST PRESIDENT (2004-2006)
Samuel Green
Abraham L. Green & Son
Fairfield, CT
PAST PRESIDENT (2002-2004)
David Jacobson
Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove, IL