About Us

Neshama Jewish Funeral Services, founded by Yerucham Kopelman, has been a trusted presence in South Florida’s Jewish community for over 35 years, offering compassionate and respectful funeral services that strictly adhere to halacha (Jewish law). Established to provide all Jewish families with kosher funeral services, Neshama ensures every Jewish soul receives a dignified burial while supporting and guiding families through their moments of grief.

Our mission is to uphold Jewish customs in every aspect of the funeral process, from tahara (purification) to burial, while providing comfort and peace not only in times of loss but also through prearranged services that help families plan for the future.
Facilitating proper Jewish burials with compassion and respect since 2016.

Meet Our Dedicated Staff

At Neshama, our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time with deep respect for Jewish traditions.
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Yerucham Kopelman

Founder
Rabbi Kopelman has served the South Florida Jewish community for over 42 years. His extensive experience and vast, intricate knowledge of Jewish funerals and burials have made him an authority for Jewish burial needs. Yerucham’s vision of a true-to-religion Jewish Funeral Home in South Florida came to fruition with the establishment of Neshama Jewish Funeral Services in 2016.

Since then, he has been able to help thousands of families provide burials for their loved ones while upholding the highest level of Halachic standards.

Jack Jawitz

Funeral Home Consultant
Jack brings decades of leadership and community service to Neshama Jewish Funeral Services, helping families navigate life’s most difficult moments with care and compassion. His background in business and operations, combined with his years of involvement in organizations like Chaverim and Hatzalah, has shaped his dedication to serving others.

Originally from the Northeast, Jack now lives in South Florida, where he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He believes that listening and understanding are at the heart of his role, ensuring every family knows, “I’m here to help you in any way I can.”
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Mark Fatakhov

Funeral Director in Charge
Mark is a licensed Funeral Director in both New York and Florida, bringing nearly two decades of experience to Neshama Jewish Funeral Services. He began his career serving the Jewish community as part of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens Chevra Kadisha under the guidance of Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, gaining invaluable expertise in Jewish funeral traditions and practices.

Mark holds a degree in Mortuary Science from Nassau Community College and is fluent in Russian, allowing him to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care to diverse families.

Currently residing in Hollywood, FL, Mark is dedicated to serving the Jewish community with the utmost respect and professionalism, grounded in a deep understanding of Jewish values. He and his wife are blessed to have five children.

Ben Lutz

Director of Business Development
Ben combines his legal background and passion for community service to help grow Neshama Jewish Funeral Services and connect with more families in need. With a law degree from Touro Law and experience clerking for a Supreme Court Justice in New York, he brings valuable expertise to his role.

A co-founder of the Pay It Forward Foundation, Ben is committed to spreading kindness and ensuring every family feels supported. His family’s long-standing dedication to Meis Mitzvah and Chesed Shel Emes continues to inspire his work. Now living in South Florida, Ben is actively involved in the local Chevra Kadisha and enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
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Chaim Russ

Executive Director
With nearly a decade of experience in the funeral service industry, Chaim leads Neshama Jewish Funeral Services with a deep commitment to helping families through life’s most difficult moments. He takes pride in ensuring every detail of Neshama’s services reflects the highest standards of care and compassion.

A South Florida native, Chaim has helped expand Neshama’s offerings while staying rooted in Jewish traditions. Outside of work, he enjoys playing in a pool league, spending time outdoors, and making memories with his family. He believes that every family deserves dignity, respect, and the reassurance that they are not alone.

Contact us today to begin the process for you and your family

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