Jewish traditions

All of our services are designed to help you through one of the most personal and challenging stages of life. Specializing in serving the Jewish community in and around St. Louis, we understand the customs and religious significance associate with Jewish funeral tradition. 

At Berger Memorial Chapel, we offer a full range of traditional funeral services to meet the needs of our families. We understand that, according to Jewish tradition, burial should be as expedient as possible. We are able to accommodate this need and are dedicated to working with you one-on-one to plan a memorial with the Jewish funeral and burial customs that are important to you. 

Whether you choose a service at our chapel, a local synagogue or 1 of the 8 Jewish cemeteries in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, we are here to assist you through the process every step of the way. Our funeral home team can also provide information regarding Jewish funeral services in areas outside of St. Louis.

Planning ahead

At the time of loss, funeral arrangement details and associated expenses can be overwhelming. However, planning in advance helps to provide a sense of relief, peace of mind and comfort for your loved ones. By preparing your arrangements personally, you also ensure your wishes are met to your specifications. Our funeral directors specialize in this service and are here to discuss your options should you wish to do so in advance. 

We honor veterans

Berger Memorial Chapel understands the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. As a Level One Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, our staff is knowledgeable in the benefits available to veterans and their families. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through the steps of creating a veteran's memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

Contact us

A member of the Dignity Memorial® network since 1993, Berger Memorial Chapel remains a locally managed and operated funeral home. Our associates are committed to the St. Louis Jewish community and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us if you require immediate assistance or would like more information about our services.

History

Hungarian immigrant Henry B. Berger established H.B. Berger Livery and Undertaking Company in 1896 with the $13 that remained after a disastrous tornado destroyed his produce business and robbed him of his savings.

A strong St. Louis Jewish funeral home

Henry’s business of providing carriages and funeral services to the growing Jewish community proved so successful that he expanded and relocated it twice in its 1st decade of existence. He finally settled in the Central West End of St. Louis, changing the business name to Berger Memorial Chapel. Prior to his retirement in 1923, Henry organized the 1st organization of funeral directors in the St. Louis area, which became the St. Louis Funeral Directors Association. He remained an active member until his retirement.

Chapel construction and The Jewish Funeral Directors of America 

Herbert I. Berger then succeeded his father in the family business. During his tenure, Herbert worked to update and modernize the location and oversaw the construction of a state-of-the art chapel. His goal was to create a comfortable, yet stately location for families to gather for funeral services. He was a founder and the 1st president of The Jewish Funeral Directors of America, an organization committed to assisting people of the Jewish faith arrange meaningful and affordable funerals in the Jewish tradition.

In 1948, Marvin A. Stein—the son of Herbert’s sister and grandson of Henry—acquired the business and operated Berger Memorial Chapel until his death in 1970. Marvin was a strong advocate of community service and held leadership positions at many Jewish organizations throughout the area. He also served as president of The Jewish Funeral Directors of America.

The family business continues into its 5th generation

Continuing the tradition of family management, Richard Stein—Marvin’s son and Henry's great-grandson—currently serves as president of Berger Memorial Chapel. Richard embodies the core values established by his predecessors, providing compassionate, professional care to the families we serve and a tireless dedication to the St. Louis community. He has held a variety of leadership positions in the St. Louis area and was the 3rd generation in his family to serve as president of The Jewish Funeral Directors of America.

In 2009, Richard's daughter Emily Stein MacDonald began serving families at Berger Memorial Chapel, extending the legacy and tradition of the family-operated business into its 5th generation.