A Multi-Generation Business

After the 1904 Baltimore fire, the business moved to E. Baltimore St.

When it comes to places that have been in business for generations, you can take a look at SOL LEVINSON & BROS., INC.. This organization has been in business for five generations, or more than 120 years, owned and run by the Levinson family. These days, it's the third, fourth, and fifth generations, who are actively involved.

Based in Pikesville, this company has specialized in serving the Jewish community and has that specialized knowledge of the arrangements and services that are required in this faith community. They also serve non-Jewish family members as well. Now, besides Pikesville, Sol Levinson has a facility in Columbia, as well.



Sol Levinson is sponsoring, along with Lifebridge Health, Jewish Community Services, and the Jewish Federation of Howard County, a series of talks, called Life Happens, by experts about having the difficult conversations with elder family members about the aging process and planning for the future. Four different talks are planned, one on each Tuesday in September from 7-8:30 PM at various locations in Columbia. Topics include talking with elder loved ones about financial, medical, and end of life matters; Jewish perspectives on aging and end of life; healthy living leading to a healthier future; and Jewish funerals - traditions and options. Admission is free and attendees are requested to register through Lifebridge Health.

Another seminar also being held in September, is sponsored by Sol Levinson & Bros., Jewish Community Services, and Gilchrist Grief Services, touches on the topic of grieving. We Remember Them: Finding Hope And Meaning After Loss is being held on September 20, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Sol Levinson & Bros. facility in Pikesville. Although the journey through grief has many commonalities among those who have lost a loved one, it is also uniquely individual. Those who attend can learn new coping skills, understand their feelings, and leave with a renewed feeling of hope and meaning. This event is also free, but the sponsors are requesting participants to register by September 15.

The attendees at a previous series of talks by Life Happens.

For anyone who is wondering why mourners at a Jewish funeral cut the kriah, there is an answer. Kriah refers to tearing of garments and it traditionally represents how the loss of a loved one tears your heart. The tradition was an outward expression of loss. These days mourners use a black ribbon that is worn on the outside of the clothes, particularly by immediate family members. Children wear the ribbon on their left side, which symbolizes that they are the direct lineage of the deceased. All others wear the ribbon on the right. Usually the ribbon is worn for seven days of shiva, but there are some rabbis who recommend 30 days.

Some of the Levinsons at work, with a member of the 6th generation checking out the workplace.

Thanks for information from these articles on the Sol Levinson & Bros., blog: http://www.sollevinson.com/slblog/columbia-life-happens-series-september-2016/; http://www.sollevinson.com/slblog/we-remember-them-finding-hope-and-meaning-after-loss/; http://www.sollevinson.com/slblog/why-do-we-cut-kriah/; and the above link.

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