Jewish funeral directors & services in Romford
We don’t yet list a specialist Jewish funeral director near Romford, but most local funeral directors can arrange a Jewish funeral. There are 8 synagogues within 7 miles. A Jewish funeral is traditionally a simple burial held as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, but never on Shabbat or major festivals.
Funeral directors near Romford
We haven’t identified a specialist Jewish funeral director close to Romford yet. The funeral directors below can arrange Jewish funerals — ask about their experience and facilities. Offer Jewish funerals? Tell us.
148 North St, Romford, RM1 1DL
Co-op Funeralcare
James Hawes Funeral Directors
0.7 milesRomford, RM1 4QA
Bronzeash Funerals
0.8 milesDagenham Rd, Romford, RM7 0TJ
T.A Newman & Sons
1.0 mileBalgores Lane, Romford, RM2 6BS
Hornchurch and Essex Funeral Service
1.1 milesHornchurch, RM11 1QL
West & Coe
1.2 milesRomford, RM12 4SY
Synagogues near Romford
A synagogue can often help with prayers, a faith leader and the burial society (Chevra Kadisha).
- Romford and District Affiliated Synagogue · 0.2 miles
- Newbury Park Synagogue · 3.6 miles · website
- Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue · 3.8 miles — 8 Oaks Lane, Ilford, IG2 7RS · website
- Cranbrook United Synagogue · 5.1 miles · website
- Ilford Federation Synagogue · 5.2 miles — Clarence Avenue, IG1 3RL
- Prayer Hall · 6.7 miles
- Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue · 6.7 miles
- East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue · 6.8 miles — Marlborough Road, London, E18 1AR
Jewish cemeteries & burial sections nearby
- Rainham Jewish Cemetery · 4.1 miles
- Plashet Jewish Cemetery · 6.2 miles
- East Ham Jewish Cemetery · 6.7 miles
- West Ham Jewish Cemetery · 7.5 miles
- Waltham Abbey Jewish Cemetery · 9.3 miles
- Lauriston Road Cemetery · 10.1 miles
Jewish funerals: what to expect
| Burial or cremation | Burial in Orthodox practice; cremation accepted by many Reform and Liberal communities |
|---|---|
| How soon | As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours — not on Shabbat or major festivals |
| Who arranges it | Usually the synagogue’s burial society (Chevra Kadisha) rather than a high-street funeral director |
| Preparation | Tahara (ritual purification) and plain white shrouds (tachrichim); no embalming or viewing |
| Mourning | Shiva for seven days at home, then shloshim to day 30; stone setting within about a year |
Etiquette for guests
- What to wear: Dark, modest clothing. Men (and in some communities women) cover their heads — kippot are usually provided.
- What to say: “I wish you long life”, or the traditional “HaMakom yenachem etchem…” (“May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem”).
- Flowers: Flowers are not customary. A donation to charity in the person’s memory is the usual gesture.
Practical steps in Romford
- The doctor records the cause of death and the medical examiner reviews it. Say straight away that you need an urgent release for a religious burial.
- Register the death with Havering register office within 5 days of the medical examiner’s office confirming the death can be registered. How to register.
- Contact a funeral director and your synagogue — they can help arrange the key rites (Tahara, keriah and the Mourner’s Kaddish).
- Book the cemetery — see local options.
Repatriating someone abroad for burial · Help paying for a funeral
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can a Jewish burial happen in Romford?
Families aim to bury as soon as possible. In England, the death must first be reviewed by the medical examiner and registered (or a coroner must release the body). Tell the hospital, medical examiner or coroner’s office straight away that you need an urgent release for religious reasons — many areas have out-of-hours arrangements.
Where can I find a synagogue near Romford?
The nearest synagogues to Romford include Romford and District Affiliated Synagogue (0.2 miles), Newbury Park Synagogue (3.6 miles), Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (3.8 miles).
Can Jewish people be cremated?
Orthodox Judaism requires burial and does not permit cremation. Many Reform and Liberal communities accept cremation, and will still help with the funeral.
Why are Jewish funerals held so quickly?
Jewish law values burial as soon as possible as a mark of respect for the person who died. Funerals are not held on Shabbat or major festivals, so timing may move by a day or two.
What is sitting shiva?
Shiva is the seven-day period of mourning after the funeral, when close family stay at home, prayers are said and friends visit to offer comfort.
Jewish funeral services in nearby towns
- Ilford5 mi
- Loughton7 mi
- Walthamstow9 mi
- Epping9 mi
- Eltham10 mi
- Greenwich10 mi
- Enfield12 mi
- Wood Green13 mi
- Cheshunt13 mi
- Bromley14 mi