Program Description:

The cost of dying is not inexpensive, despite what Jewish wisdom has to say about the importance of modest burials. The costs (both financial and emotional) can create a shock for those who are unprepared. Join us to learn different approaches to mitigate these costs–with preparation–to avoid having to make these decisions in crisis, at the height of grief. 

Join Stephanie Garry, Executive Vice President of Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, in conversation with Rabbi Melanie Levav about what has changed in the last 25 years–and what hasn’t. 

Recording:

Resources:

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel
Hebrew Free Burial Association
Past Program Recording: Jewish Burial Traditions and New Technologies
Resource Library: Funeral and Burial
Podcast: Exit Strategy

Speaker:

Since joining Plaza in 2002, Stephanie has held many roles within the organization. In 2021, Stephanie became Executive Vice President of Communal Partnerships. Prior to that, Stephanie was Chief Administrative Officer for six years after having served as Director of Community Relations for 12 years.

Originally from the Midwest, Stephanie has always been involved in the Jewish Community, even during the 25 years she was an actor, appearing in over 1500 commercials. From 1995-1997, Stephanie was President of Temple Shaaray Tefila, a Reform congregation in Northern Westchester, and has remained a member of this temple ever since. Stephanie has served as Community Outreach co-chair for the Westchester Chapter of The American Jewish Committee and is a past member of the North American Advisory Board and Executive Committee of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. For twelve years she was a member of the North American Board of The Union for Reform Judaism, and for two years was a member of the Oversight Committee. Stephanie is a former member of The Commission for Social Action and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of CAJAC (Community Alliance for Jewish- Affiliated Cemeteries). Stephanie is a member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom where she is a member of the caring committee and a member of Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City. Stephanie was a member of UJA’s SYNERGY Coordinating Council for 3 years, was on the Advisory Board of ImmerseNYC, and was a member of the National Board of Directors of the Bnai Zion Foundation. Currently she is the President of Elluminate (formerly known as Jewish Women's Foundation of New York) and a board member of The Hadassah Foundation. Stephanie is an associate member of the National Association of Temple Administrators and is a long-standing member of the lay advisory board of The New York Board of Rabbis. In addition, Stephanie is honored to be part of ReImagine 360 Advisory Council.

Stephanie is host of the newly launched podcast Exit Strategy which received the 2023 Communicator Award for Distinction, and has been published regularly in EJewish Philanthropy and Times of Israel.

Stephanie has been married to Art Tatge for 44 years and their son Zach Tatge, daughter in law Briana and grandson live in New York City.