Ark Wood Caskets

Simplicity in Six Pieces of Wood

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Chevra Kadisha

December 8, 2016 by arkwoodcaskets

CHEVRA KADISHA SUPPORT: The Jewish way of dealing with death is one part of a larger philosophy of life in which all people are viewed with dignity and respect. Even after death, the body, which once held a holy human life, retains its sanctity.

In Jewish tradition, therefore, the greatest consideration and respect is accorded the dead. Funeral customs are traditionally supervised in Jewish communities by a chevra kadisha, a holy society, comprised of volunteers to aid the bereaved and to ensure that appropriate practices are followed.

Assisting in funeral and burial preparations is a highly-valued mitzvah. It is a chesed shel emet, a true act of kindness performed without ulterior motive, for the dead cannot repay this service.

The following links provide a variety of information, ranging from advice on forming a chevra kaddisha to detailed information provided by groups and congregations on ritual, custom, and practices.

  • http://www.myjewishlearning.com/lifecycle/Death/.htm
  • http://www.chelm.org/jewish/taharot/
  • http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/burial/index.htm
  • http://www.columbiajewish.org/chevrabklt.PDF

If you have questions, call me. I can tell you about my experience in serving with my chevra kadisha, and share with you some of our written instructions.

Wood Casket Decoration Ideas

December 8, 2014 by arkwoodcaskets

wood casket decoration ideas

Pictured above are photographs taken at a mixed  media, multi-faceted Gallery Event exploring Home Funerals and Green Burials

These Ark Wood caskets were  hand-painted by Allegria

When Somebody dies …

September 29, 2004 by arkwoodcaskets

Simplicity contained in six pieces of wood

Excerpts from an Article By PAUL FATTIG
Published in the Southern Oregon Mail Tribune

Paul Firnstein didn’t start out in life to become a maker of caskets. “I got into this business because of a need we had here,” said Firnstein, 61, of Ashland.

After doing some research, he and some friends made a couple of plain wooden caskets that were inexpensive and contained no metals, no animal-based glue, and no plastics or linings. “Next thing you know, we started getting calls from Klamath Falls and Eugene for our caskets,” he said.

That was in 1993. He and a friend started Ark Wood Caskets, which Firnstein now owns.

wood caskets maker
Paul Firnstein

The caskets are designed to go into the ground in a very natural way. “They meet the dust-to-dust requirements in the Bible,” he added, noting the pine will disintegrate quickly. “It’s very earth-friendly.”

“A lot of my business is from different religious groups,” he said. “Franciscan monasteries back East want a simple pine casket. Many American Indian families and Buddhists or Muslims also want simple caskets that go into the ground in an easy way. Also, Jewish families can get an affordable casket that is certified by a rabbi to be appropriate for a Jewish burial.”

Indeed, these are not expensive coffins with a satin bed and pillow and shiny brass handles. They are simple, dignified caskets made of pine. They are shipped in a box of six pieces which are easily fitted together by tapping in self-gluing dowels. One inch thick soft rope handles provide strength and ease of carrying.

Firnstein said the act of assembling a casket brings loved ones together. “It’s a loving act that starts the healing process,” he said. “It brings it all home. They put it together themselves. It’s a loving symbol of their respect for that person,” he added. “They are doing it just to honor that person’s remains.”

Firnstein makes 50 to 75 caskets at a time, using the same dimensions. “They have the standard size plot in the cemetery,” he said. “You don’t want to get too big or elaborate or it won’t fit.” When Firnstein ships the casket, the pieces are laid flat. “You get six pieces of wood in a box five inches thick,” he said. “When you put the pieces together, they have to fit together securely yet easily.”

Before he began making caskets, Firnstein was a consultant in California, doing radio programming and making commercials. In addition to building caskets, he also works as a hospice caregiver, a job that has given him added perspective on families and funerals. “Most families don’t want to think about funeral issues while a dying loved one is still alive,” he said. “But that really is the time to make plans for what will happen.”

“When that person dies, you are not in shape to be making sound decisions,” he said, noting that is when people can be taken advantage of. “There is a lot people can do, but they have to plan ahead. Listen, everybody is going to have a death in their family.” But, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. “I think more and more people don’t want fancy caskets,” he said. “They don’t want to spend $8,000 or whatever on a cherry casket. That money is much better spent giving it to the person’s favorite charity than putting it in the ground.” When his time comes, Firnstein knows, “I’ll be buried in a simple box.”

Testimonial from the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

October 16, 2002 by arkwoodcaskets

 

The casket you sent was received by our Community Council with praise. As Franciscans we greatly appreciate that which is simple, humble and well made. It is said that a stroke of genius can be best marked when after a new idea has been put into actuality it then seems like common sense. Your casket design precisely fits that description. It's aim is simplicity and it achieves it in a simply magnificent way by its form, material and construction. More importantly, Paul, we appreciate your sense of decorum with regards to your business. You obviously see your job as somewhat of a ministry. you conduct yourself in an appropriately compassionate manner. Thank you for that sensitivity. For all of the above reasons you will find an enclosed check for the purchase of another casket. Thank you, Paul, for your work and your attentiveness to detail. May God bless you and yours. Sincerely, Br. John Anthony Boughton, CFR

Rabbinically Certified by Rabbi Leonard Oppenheimer

July 20, 1995 by arkwoodcaskets

 

Rabbinically Certified Casket - To Whom it May Concern I have inspected the caskets manufactured by Ark Wood Caskets, and have found them to be of the highest quality, both from a Halachic and aesthetic standpoint. The caskets are made of a simple adorned wood, and have openings that allow for direct contact with the earth. I would recommend these caskets to ensure a dignified burial, allowing the deceased to meet their maker in full compliance with Jewish Law. Rabbi Leonard Oppenheimer, Congregation Kesser Isreal, Portland, Oregon

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