Posted on 01/09/26
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 9, 2026 - Maryland — A concerned community member recently contacted Misaskim of Maryland regarding an elderly Jewish man who had passed away with no known family or funeral arrangements in place. Upon investigation, Misaskim discovered that, due to the absence of next of kin, the niftar had been released to the state and was scheduled for cremation, R”L.
Recognizing the grave urgency of the situation and the sacred obligation of kavod hameis, Rabbi Ariel Sadwin of Agudah of Maryland utilized his extensive relationships with state and city officials to secure the necessary authorization for burial in accordance with halacha.
Following this approval, Misaskim of Maryland immediately coordinated the retrieval of the niftar and arranged for proper tahara and kevurah. Every step of the process was handled with dignity, sensitivity, and meticulous adherence to halachic requirements.
The levayah was officiated by Rabbi Shlomo Weiss of Bais Medrash of Summit Park. In a moving demonstration of chesed shel emes, Rabbi Weiss’s 12th-grade class from Talmudical Academy attended the funeral to help form a minyan and actively participated in the kevurah, ensuring that the niftar was accompanied by a caring kehilla until his final resting place.
Misaskim of Maryland extends its heartfelt gratitude to Rabbi Ariel Sadwin of the Agudah of Maryland, the Jewish Cemetery Association, and Sol Levinson & Brothers for their compassion, professionalism, and indispensable assistance in facilitating the tahara and burial.
Misaskim of Maryland remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the dignity of every Jew, standing ready to serve the community with compassion, discretion, and unwavering dedication to kavod hameis in life’s most sensitive moments.