The Board of Directors and members of KAVOD, Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels were deeply saddened by the October 27 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Penn. They extend their condolences to the families of those who were killed and offer prayers for the healing of those who were injured.
KAVOD member Sharon Ryave Brody of Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel in Pittsburgh, Penn., was deeply honored to be entrusted to care for many of the victims’ families.
KAVOD offered assistance with serving families that were impacted by this tragedy. Several KAVOD members traveled to Pittsburgh to assist Ryave Brody, including KAVOD President Jay Mesnekoff of Mesnekoff Funeral Home in Buffalo, N.Y.; Immediate Past President Joyce Torchinsky of Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home in Washington, D.C.; and Michael Smith of Shalom Funeral Chapel in Cranston, R.I.
“I was humbled to be able to work side-by-side with my friend and colleague Sharon,” said Mesnekoff. “I am proud of the care and compassion her team showed to each family impacted by this tragedy; my respect for their grace during pressure is immense. I was gratified by the response of my fellow KAVOD members, especially those who offered to fly to Pittsburgh at a moment’s notice to help. It was a tremendous organizational effort and the overwhelming support of the Pittsburgh community was incredible to see. There is no higher honor than serving families during their greatest hour of need.”
Founded in 2002, KAVOD, Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels are providers of Jewish funeral services. Membership is by invitation only.
