GRIEF: Rabbi Gary S Fink, D.Min.
Holidays can be difficult for those who grieve. Bereavement is personal and individual, even when shared. Some people express grief through tears and emotions; others are quiet and thoughtful; still others get busy and organize. It is important to make room for the range of responses and feelings that fill the air. A loved one’s memory can be honored in many ways during the holidays — grieving is more about holding on than letting go. We let go of someone because we have to, but we hold on to them because we need to. Grief and remembrance go hand in hand.
*Rabbi Fink maintains a grief counseling practice, having retired as Montgomery Hospice Senior VP of Counseling. He also teaches Caring for the Bereaved at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Graduate Studies. He specializes in grief, loss, and life-limiting illness.
Rabbi Fink earned a Doctor of Ministry degree at the Howard University School of Divinity. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Thanatology, the study of death and dying, and completed Dementia Care Certification training through the Copper Ridge Institute, affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.
A native of Maryland, he was named Rabbi Emeritus of Oseh Shalom Congregation in Laurel, MD, in recognition of more than 25 years of service in the congregational ministry, from which he retired in order to work full-time in the field of end-of-life care and counseling.
Rabbi Fink is a recipient of the James F Jenkins Pillar of Faith Award for transformational spiritual leadership, given by the Howard University School of Divinity and the United Church of Christ Friends of HUSD.
PREPARING FOR THE SEND OFF: Edward Sagel, Co-Owner & Funeral Director, Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care
While we focus on supporting those currently walking through grief, we also recognize that the best support we can give our families is the gift of peace. Advanced planning is often seen as a chore, but in reality, it is an act of love. By making your wishes known, you remove the burden of difficult decision-making from your family’s future. It ensures that when their time comes to navigate the holidays without you, they can spend that time reflecting on your legacy and leaning on one another, rather than struggling with logistics and uncertainty. It is a way to protect their peace during future seasons of remembrance.
*Edward Sagel, a first-generation funeral director, began his career in 1991 with a commitment to serving families with integrity and compassion. In 1994, he founded Sagel Funeral Direction, later selling the firm to Service Corporation International (SCI)/Dignity Memorial, where he successfully managed both his original business and additional locations. His strong leadership, industry expertise, and deep community ties ultimately positioned him, through an FTC divestiture, to reacquire his firm alongside Albert Bloomfield, a seasoned funeral director with more than two decades of experience.
Together, they formed Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care, Inc., uniting respected legacies into one distinguished funeral home serving the Greater Washington area. Their approach blends time-honored traditions with thoughtful, contemporary practices, bridging generations and faith communities alike. Serving Jewish, Christian, Catholic, and Asian families, they are committed to honoring sacred customs while offering modern guidance, ensuring that each service reflects both heritage and the evolving needs of today’s families.
FINANCES: Brian Hutt with BluePoint Financial
Losing a loved one is one of life's most profound challenges, and the financial responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. My first recommendation: slow down and take a deep breath. Very few financial decisions need to be made immediately, so give yourself grace to grieve. When ready, begin by locating key documents — the will, life insurance policies, and account statements — and notify relevant financial institutions. From there, partnering with a trusted financial advisor, CPA, and estate attorney can help ensure the estate is settled properly and your loved one's wishes are honored. You don't have to navigate this alone, the right team makes all the difference.
*Brian Hutt was recognized by Forbes in 2025 as the #2 Financial Security Professional – Best in State for Maryland.
Brian Hutt brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services industry, guiding clients through thoughtful, long-term planning. After building a strong client base, he founded BluePoint Financial, following five successful years serving individuals and families through his former firm, Hutt Financial Group. Since 2004, Brian has concentrated his practice on comprehensive financial planning, asset management, estate planning, and group benefits. His areas of specialized focus include 401(k) plans, 529 college savings strategies, and individual and group life, disability, and long-term care insurance tailored for business owners, families, and individuals.
Known for his personable style and strategic mindset, Brian excels at translating complex financial concepts into clear, relatable guidance clients can confidently understand. Recognizing that planning for the future can often feel overwhelming, Brian and his team take a hands-on, collaborative approach, combining broad experience with personalized attention. Their goal is to create a streamlined and supportive process that helps clients pursue financial clarity, security, and long-term success, whatever their goals may be.