Our History
Dallas Jewish Funerals is the only Jewish Owned and Operated Jewish Funeral Home in Dallas. We are proud to be serving the Greater Dallas Jewish Community. Our roots run deep in the Jewish Community, and our philosophy is doing business with heart. Philanthropically, we donate to various Jewish organizations throughout the year.
We partner with all local synagogues and cemeteries to ensure you and your loved ones are cared for in your time of need. We are able to transfer pre-need policies from any funeral home even from other cities. Our licensed Funeral Directors are available to meet with you at our offices, your home, any area hospitals, your synagogue, or wherever you feel most comfortable.
We have access to burial plots at Restland Memorial Park and Hillcrest Memorial Park at significantly lower prices. We work with all local cemeteries – providing the same funeral at the same cemetery for a more reasonable price. You have a choice in funeral homes
At Dallas Jewish Funerals, we offer a better, more personal way to plan Jewish funeral services. True, the funeral industry is a business, but we believe it is also a Mitzvah to serve those in need with heart and provide as much Jewish Tradition in the time of death. All of our staff have a commitment to serving the Dallas Jewish Community with passion, empathy and the love of our Jewish heritage and tradition, when caring for your loved ones. We consider it our honor, privilege and mitzvah.
-
Andy Starr Owner, Executive Director
Andy has a knack for business but has always wanted to use that talent to serve people at critical times in their life, whether suffering from an injury, dealing with aging & frail parents, or enduring the loss of a loved one. Accordingly, before getting involved in the funeral business, Andy was a Co-Founder and Senior Executive with Hearthstone Assisted Living, which he helped grow from scratch to over 30 communities in 10 states. Before Hearthstone, Andy was a Senior Member of the Founding Management Team for U.S. Physical Therapy, which he helped grow from scratch to over 75 clinics nationwide, and transitioned the business from a private company to being publicly traded on the Nasdaq exchange. As a prelude to his business career, Andy was a Real Estate & Banking attorney at the Houston firm of Hirsch & Westheimer, after graduating with Honors from the University of Texas School of Law. Andy also received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans.Andy grew up in Tennessee but married a native Houstonian (Wendy Kosberg), with whom he has three grown children, all of whom attended The Shlenker School (Jewish elementary) and the Emery/Weiner School (Jewish Junior & Senior High) in Houston, where Andy and Wendy each served on the respective boards. For many years, Andy & Wendy were also active members at Temple Beth Israel in Houston, and Andy was a Trustee of The Seven Acres Jewish Campus for the Aged in southwest Houston.
-
Zane Belyea Owner, Community Relations
From an early age, Zane wanted to help people in need, so when he attended Southern Illinois University, he decided to study Social Work & Psychology. During his first year after graduation, Zane worked with abused and neglected children, before spending eleven years in the education industry, eventually becoming Vice President of Recruitment for a large education firm. In 2011, after many years of business travel, and a growing family in Dallas, Zane followed the advice of one of his mentors and began a new career in the funeral industry. True to his roots in social work, Zane finds it deeply rewarding to help families during one of the worst moments of their lives, and he has instilled that passion for service throughout the organization. “Every member of our team has a solemn commitment to serve all our families well beyond their expectations. We absolutely won’t let them down.”The Jewish community is extremely important to Zane and his family, and he continues to be involved daily. Whether it’s playing softball in the Temple Shalom Brotherhood Softball League, or putting on Tefillin with one of the Rabbis, every experience is beyond meaningful. In 2018, Zane had the fortunate experience of joining the Dallas Area Torah Association on the Momentum trip and experiencing Israel for the first time. This was certainly a trip of a lifetime full of laughter, deep reflection, and at times tears. Growing up, Zane didn’t have a traditional Jewish household and unfortunately never had a Bar Mitzvah. During the Momentum trip, this important Jewish tradition was fulfilled on Masada! In 2019, Zane returned to Israel this time to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of his oldest son, Dylan. To see your children go through this experience at the holiest site on Earth can never be expressed in words. Zane is married to a Dallas native (Jill Liberman), and has two sons, Dylan & Zachary. Although members of Anshai Torah, Zane and his family have a strong connection to Rabbi Block and Chabad Plano as well as Rabbi Zakon/Rabbi Nissel from Dallas Area Torah Association. We will forever be grateful to Rabbi Nissel and his efforts in tutoring Dylan in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah.
-
Liz Vargas Owner, Human Resources
Liz Vargas is the VP of Accounting at Jewish Funerals USA where Liz has full responsibility for financials, procedures, budgets, and human resources for multiple locations.Liz has worked as an accounting professional for over 25 years in different industries and specializes in the direction and setup of accounting systems and establishing policies and procedures for financial and operational activities for startup companies.Liz enjoys working in her garden and watching her favorite sports team the Houston Astros in her free time
-
Shelby Sibilsky Director of Marketing
Shelby Sibilsky, a proud Texan born and raised in Dallas, discovered her passion for helping others early in life. She pursued this calling by earning her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in English Literature from the University of Texas at Dallas. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into conflict resolution, she furthered her education at Southern Methodist University, obtaining a Master's degree in Dispute Resolution Conflict Management.Currently residing with her boyfriend and their beloved cat, Wolfgang, Shelby finds solace in the company of her loved ones. In her leisure time, she immerses herself in literature, indulges in movie marathons, and explores new culinary delights at local restaurants. Above all, she cherishes moments spent hanging with her mom, Connie.From her childhood aspirations to her present endeavors, Shelby remains committed to her lifelong goal of making a positive impact on people's lives. From day one, Shelby knew she wanted to be part of an organization that cares, surrounded by people with big hearts. And every morning, she wakes up thankful for the chance to be a part of that.For marketing inquiries, please email: [email protected]
-
Cristela Edwards Location Manager & Funeral Director
Cristela is a native Texan, born and raised in Rockport, who moved to Dallas in 2008. She graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in March 2017. She is a devoted mother to three wonderful children and shares her home with a beloved Yellow Lab named Hawk.Family is at the heart of everything Cristela does. She is passionate about supporting children in need and regularly volunteers with Shriners Hospitals for Children, helping ensure all children have access to high-quality healthcare regardless of their family’s financial situation. As an avid animal lover, Cristela also donates her time to the Wildlife Conservation Society, aiding in the protection of endangered species.Cristela brings warmth, empathy, and a strong sense of service to every family she works with."I got into the funeral industry to help guide others through a very tough time and to make their experience a little easier."For inquiries, please email: [email protected]
-
Lily Cromeens Funeral Director
Lily Cromeens is a provisional funeral director who was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After relocating to San Antonio, she completed her mortuary studies at San Antonio College in May 2024. During her time there, Lily gained valuable experience working as a student at a local funeral home for three years. She recently moved to Dallas to begin her provisional period for her funeral directing license.In her free time, Lily enjoys reading and spending time with her dog, Zeke. She is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in business at Texas Woman's University.Lily is dedicated to ensuring that every family receives the perfect tribute for their loved one—a commitment that inspired her to enter the funeral industry.
-
Donald D. Shinn Funeral Director
Donald Shinn has dedicated 30 years to the funeral industry, with more than 25 of those years as a licensed funeral director. For Donald, this work is deeply personal—what began as a response to a tragedy in his own life became a meaningful ministry of service and compassion. He understands that losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and his mission is to ensure families never feel lost or alone during their time of need. With empathy and guidance, Donald walks alongside every family he serves, offering support every step of the way.Donald finds immense joy and fulfillment in the love of his family. Together, they share core values of compassion, honesty, and dedication, and believe that love should always be multiplied, never divided. His daughter is the light of his life, inspiring him daily with her vibrant spirit and joy.For Donald, life’s most precious moments are those shared with family and friends. He believes that memories are the legacy we leave behind—the way we live on in the hearts of those who love us. Donald encourages others to make meaningful memories, always speak the names of those they’ve lost, and never let them be forgotten.
-
Stephen Blend Funeral Director
Stephen is a native Dallasite with his maternal grandparents arriving in Dallas in 1906. His parents owned and operated Blend Brothers Bakery in South Dallas and after his father’s retirement in 1970, he operated it for another 11 years.Stephen started his journey in the funeral industry selling cemetery property and pre-need funeral plans at a major funeral home in Dallas. After working there for four years, he went to school to become a funeral director. He has now been a funeral director for more than 20 years working almost exclusively with Jewish families. He is well versed not only with all branches of Judaism but also all cemeteries available to the Jewish community. He can assist the family in finding a suitable cemetery plot to fit their needs. He is personally available 24 hours a day seven days a week since he operates as an independent contractor through Dallas Jewish Funerals. Please inquiries, please call: 214-505-2993.
-
Kaitlyn Como Administrative and Funeral Assistant
Kaitlyn Como is a dedicated Administrative and Funeral Assistant with a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University. A native Texan with a heart for service, Kaitlyn brings compassion, professionalism, and a strong attention to detail to every aspect of her work.Before entering the funeral services field, Kaitlyn worked extensively with neurodiverse children and adults, using barn management and equine therapy to teach vital social and life skills. This experience shaped her deep passion for connecting with others and supporting them in finding the tools they need to live meaningful, empowered lives.Known for her warm presence and commitment to care, Kaitlyn is honored to assist families with grace and empathy during some of life’s most difficult moments.Outside of work, Kaitlyn is a proud mom to five beloved fur babies. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and unwinding with a good book.
-
Catharine Ruditsky Preplanning Advisor
Catharine was born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. She moved to California in 1985 and married her husband, Adam, in 2012. They became a blended family of four handsome sons. Recently, in May 2023, they relocated to Plano, Texas, where Adam has taken on the role of Rabbi at Adat Chaverim.She knew from a young age that she had a deep desire to serve humankind. Through Judaism, she learned the concept of Tikkun Olam, which refers to various forms of action intended to repair and improve the world.She found her true calling when she started working for a Jewish cemetery and funeral home in California in 2014. She dedicated several years as a Family Service Counselor, where her highest priority was to support and partner with families at the immediate time of loss, providing service excellence, integrity, and mutual trust. She advised families to pre-plan their funeral and cemetery arrangements.Throughout her career, she has worked in the health business as a Sales Manager and volunteered as a Crisis Counselor for a pregnancy center. She also worked in the grocery business for several years. In 2020, She moved to Virginia and was involved with senior assisted living and provided medical equipment to the sick. These experiences have made her more well-rounded, understanding, sensitive, and engaged when caring for people at the end of their lives and after they pass away.As a newly appointed Rebbetzin, she is dedicated to Dallas Jewish Funerals and the community, aiming to provide emotional support, comfort, and compassion to families.For inquiries: please email, [email protected]
-
Logan Roberts Preplanning Advisor & Community Outreach
Logan was born in Dallas, Texas where she was raised in the Jewish community in Dallas. She was Bat Mitzvah and attended religious school at Temple Emanu-El and participated in BBYO where she held numerous chapter positions. Through BBYO she was able to connect and lead other area teens and even served on the Regional Board for the North Texas-Oklahoma region. Logan graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1998. Logan attended college at the University of Texas where she received her Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2002. While in Austin, attending school, Logan was a member of the Jewish sorority, AEPhi, and was a member of the UT Student Government representing the School of Social Work. After graduating, Logan continued her social work studies at Washington University in St. Louis, MO where she received her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in children, youth & families in 2003. During her tenure at Wash U, she received practicum student of the year for her dedication to serving area foster care children and youth. Logan started her career in social work in adoptions working with all members of the adoption constellation offering counseling, support, and planning through one of life’s most difficult decisions. She worked for many of the Texas agencies including the Gladney Center, Adoption Access, Little Flowers, and Hope Cottage. After years in adoption, Logan moved to the health care sector in social work and worked for Children's Medical Center in Dallas and Plano. There she continued to support those faced with difficult situations of illness (and often death) of children. She worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings in both acute and chronic service lines. Her last position at Children’s was working as the Psych Social Worker in the Emergency Room. After taking a small break from the workforce to raise her children, Logan returned to the world of adoptions.Logan is a mom to four children whom she is raising within the Jewish community in Dallas at Temple Emanu-El. All four children attended the ECEC program and now continue Jewish learning through YL&E (religious school) at Temple Emanu-El. Logan’s 2 oldest children are currently preparing for the B’nai Mitzvah in 2024. Logan’s dedication to helping others while being a guiding light during difficult times led Logan to join our team.For inquiries, please email: [email protected]
-
Harold M. Wolf Pre-Need Advisor
Harold Wolf has been an active and dedicated member of the Dallas Jewish community for decades, serving as a congregant, synagogue president, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for Jewish life and traditions.Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Harold graduated from the high school division of the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois. He continued his studies in Israel, attending the Jerusalem Torah College, where he focused on Jewish Law and Customs, and later earned a B.A. in Education, Sociology, and Judaic Studies from Bar-Ilan University.Upon returning to the United States, Harold served as an Educational Director and Cantor in Peoria, Illinois, and Orlando, Florida. He also lent his voice as a Cantor during the High Holidays in Laredo, Texas, and various synagogues throughout the Dallas area.Harold’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Dallas’ first Judaica store, Lone Star Judaica, which became a beloved resource for the community. Additionally, he has worked extensively in the Jewish funeral industry, serving as a Cantor and pre-need consultant, supporting families during critical moments with compassion and care.Harold is married to Esther, a dedicated Jewish educator who has been shaping young minds in Dallas for over 40 years. Together, they have two sons and remain deeply involved in the community they cherish.
-
Scott Bennett Pre-Planning Advisor
Scott was raised in Dallas where he attended Temple Shalom and was a member of AZA and the JCC. He went to Richardson High School and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. His professional career included 14 years in the advertising industry in Chicago, Richmond, VA and Dallas. From there he was in senior sales and marketing management positions with Verizon and the American Cancer Society.Scott is married and has three grown children. The youngest, Sam, has intellectual disabilities and currently lives at home. Scott allocates his time across four priorities:1. Helping Sam live an active life as independently as possible.2. Helping families navigate, anticipate, and proactively manage end-of-life arrangements.3. Providing fractional marketing, sales, and messaging consulting to mid-size companies and non-profits.4. Enjoy golf and photography during his time off.Scott’s first experience with Dallas Jewish Funerals was on behalf of his father. “My father was elderly and hadn’t planned for his passing. So, me, my brother and sister stepped in to help. Taking care of his medical needs, assisted living, his estate, and his funeral planning. We saw first-hand the benefit of planning things in advance when emotions are in check.Based on what we learned about caring for my father, I feel I’m in a great position to help Jewish families navigate what can be a confusing and stressful experience. My goal is to listen, be totally transparent, and advocate on their behalf. I encourage people to plan their own funerals in advance so that their spouses and kids won’t be burdened with expenses and details when they are grieving. Regardless of what they choose to do I want them to know I’m here to help and serve as a trusted resource. Dallas Jewish Funerals is authentic and is best equipped to serve the needs of any Jewish family in the Dallas area.”For inquiries, please email: [email protected]
-
Lucy Ruditsky Unofficial Canine Grief Counselor
Lucy, truly a golden retriever, is our Unofficial Canine Grief Counselor at Dallas Jewish Funerals. She is 3 years old and still acts like a big puppy. She is mature at the same time and brings to you during your time of sadness and grief a waggy tail, kisses (if you want one) unconditional love, and sweetness when she looks at you with her brown eyes. She is very happy and go lucky and can’t wait to meet you. She also meets pre-need families with excitement and calmness.If you want to meet Lucy during your appointment with DJF please let us when you enter the building. She will be waiting for you!
-
Community Ownership
Dallas Jewish Funerals (DJF) is owned by over twenty active members of our Jewish community (some of whom are pictured below), who came together with the belief and commitment that our community shall always have a Jewish-owned and operated funeral home to serve our families at their most difficult time, with full knowledge and respect for the rituals and traditions of our faith. Our community owners represent many congregations and all levels of observance, and come from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to their involvement with DJF, our owners have made Tikkun-Olam a priority in their overall life, and have served in leadership roles with a variety of organizations that care for all facets of the Jewish community. As such, our community owners set the tone and mission for the whole team at DJF, and we strive on a daily basis to fulfill their vision, and meet the needs of every family who honors us with the care of their loved ones.
