Each religion has its own customs for mourning and burial of the deceased. In the Jewish faith, there are specific rites and acts that are followed beginning as soon as the person passes.
Each religion has its own customs for mourning and burial of the deceased. In the Jewish faith, there are specific rites and acts that are followed beginning as soon as the person passes. If you have not experienced a Jewish funeral before, the traditions and terminology can be confusing. Understanding certain Hebrew terms can bring more meaning to the process.
The body is buried in a simple wooden casket known as an aron. A shomer is someone who sits with the body until burial, never leaving it alone. Sometimes the shomer is part of the Chevrah Kadishaor "Holy Society” that may assist the funeral home or rabbi with arrangements. The Chevrah Kadisha may also prepare the body by washing it prior to burial, known as rechitzah. Following the sacred washing, the body is covered in a white linen shroud known as a kittel, sargenes, or tachrichim.
Immediate family members wear black ribbons over their heart or a tear in their clothing to honor the deceased, a practice known as keriah.Following the funeral, a hespeid or eulogy is given and a prayer called El Malei Rachamim is recited. At graveside, the Kaddish or mourners’ doxology is said, then Kvurah B’kara or burial in the ground takes place. The grave is a kever, and the headstone a matzava.
After the funeral and burial, family members enter Shiva, a seven-day mourning period. Close friends and family may pay a Shiva call, meaning they visit the home of the family to share their condolences. After Shiva, families begin Shloshim, or a time of re-entry into society where daily activities resume. The annual anniversary of the person’s passing is recognized as yahrzeit.
