It is a heartbreaking situation for the family and friends when someone who is loved passes away. In such sad and emotional conditions, Jewish funeral customs play an important role in helping the family members and friends navigate grief. Burial traditions have deep historical and spiritual significance in Judaism. Understanding what happens during a Jewish funeral is essential, and knowing the customs, like Tahara, the Tachrichim, and the Shiva period, which can offer comfort to grieving families, is also necessary. Here you will get to know “What happens during a Jewish funeral”. A complete overview of Jewish funeral customs will be discussed here.
What are the Essential Components of a Jewish Funeral?
The essential components of a Jewish funeral include:
- Preparation of the Body: Tahara
- The Burial Garments: Tachrichim
- The Funeral Service
- The Burial: K’vurah
- Shiva: The Mourning Period
- End of Shiva: The “Shloshim”
Let’s understand all these essential components in detail:
1. Preparation of the Body: Tahara
When someone dies in Jewish tradition, the first step is Tahara, which is the ritual purification of the body. This process is performed by a group of individuals, which is known as the Chevra Kadisha or holy society. This group is responsible for preparing the body according to Jewish law.
Tahara is a process performed with great respect and reverence, ensuring the body receives the best care. The body is washed, purified, and dressed in the burial garments. The primary focus of this process is to honor the deceased by treating the body as sacred. This purification process can serve as a symbolic act of spiritual cleansing.
2. The Burial Garments: Tachrichim
After the purification of the body, it is dressed in Tachrichim, which are simple white burial garments. In the Jewish tradition, the garments should be plain, modest, and made of material such as linen or cotton. The simplicity of the Tachrichim signifies the belief that all people, regardless of their social or economic status during their life, are equal at the time of death. These garments also signify humility.
3. The Funeral Service
The funeral services are a procedure that takes place at the synagogue or funeral home with a Rabbi for a funeral in New York City or a Jewish funeral officiant who leads the service. Family and friends gather at the service to pay their respects, which reflect on the life of the deceased. The focus is on the journey of the soul and the hope of eternal life. The body is buried after 24 hours of death as a part of the Jewish commitment to honor the deceased with a quick and respectful burial.
4. The Burial: K’vurah
The burial itself is a sacred ritual. The casket is lowered into the ground, and those who attend the funeral service may participate in the act of placing earth on the grave. This practice is seen as a final act to respect the deceased. It is a custom to put a shovel of dirt on the casket while reciting the prayers.
5. Shiva: The Mourning Period
After the burial procedure is completed, the family enters a mourning period, known as Shiva. This period lasts for seven days. The word “Shiva” means “seven” in Hebrew, and during this time, the family and friends gather to mourn the loss of their loved one and provide support to the immediate family.
During Shiva, mourners typically stay at home and refrain from some activities, such as work, entertainment, or travel. The primary focus is on the reflection, prayer, and community support. Traditional practices in Judaism include sitting on the low stools or on the floor and not shaving or cutting hair.
6. End of Shiva: The “Shloshim”
The mourning period continues after Shiva, which lasts for 30 days, known as Shloshim. This period marks a transition from the intense mourning of Shiva to a more reflective and less intense time of grieving. During the Shloshim, the mourners begin to return to their daily activities, but still refrain from participating in the celebratory events. The first year of mourning is significant, as it marks the anniversary of the death. On this date, many Jewish families observe the Yahrzeit in which they light a candle and recite the Kaddish to remember their loved one.
Jewish Funeral Checklist for Families in NYC
To organize a Jewish funeral in New York City, it is essential to follow specific steps in the preparation process. Below is the checklist to guide you for a Jewish funeral in NYC.
1. Contact a Rabbi for Funeral NYC
You need to contact a rabbi for a funeral in NYC. A rabbi can guide the family through the process and lead the funeral services.
2. Arrange for Tahara
You can contact a local Chevra Kadisha for the preparation and purification of the body (Tahara).
3. Select a Funeral Home
Choose a funeral home that can understand the Jewish customs and traditions. Most funeral homes in NYC specialize in Jewish funerals.
4. Choose the Burial Location
One of the important tasks to be done is to decide on a cemetery. You need to ensure that the Jewish cemetery follows the religious practices you prefer.
5. Arrange for the Tachrichim (Burial Garments)
You can either purchase the burial garments or work with the funeral home or Chevra Kadisha to arrange for the burial garments.
6. Notify Family and Friends
Informing family, friends, and the community about the funeral and Shiva arrangements is important.
7. Plan the Shiva Period
You need to prepare the home for Shiva. For this period, you need to do seating arrangements and planning for the Minyan to ensure proper support from the community during the mourning period.
8. Organize Food and Comfort for Visitors
Organize the simple meals for the visitors during the period, Shiva, as it’s customary for the family to receive and comfort guests at their home.
9. Mark the Yahrzeit
You can keep track of the anniversary of the death and make the arrangements for the memorial observance.
Conclusion
Jewish funeral practices have a rich history and spiritual significance. In an emotional phase, when a loved one passes away, these practices can provide comfort and structure to grieving families. By understanding the customs, from Tahara and Tachrichim to the Shiva period, you can make informed decisions during this difficult time. Working with a Rabbi for a funeral in New York City or a Jewish funeral officiant, like Rabbi Ron Broden, can ensure that the religious traditions are correctly followed. They also ensure that your memory of your loved one is honoured according to Jewish customs.
FAQs about Jewish Funerals
Question 1. What does burial in Jewish tradition signify?
Answer. The burial is an emotional moment for the family and close community members as they say final goodbyes to their loved one. This act of closure and respect for the deceased ensures that the body is returned to the place from which it came.
Question 2. What role does a rabbi play in the funeral service?
Answer. The Rabbi plays a vital role in the Funeral Service in offering prayers and readings from the Torah and Psalms. The prayers, such as the Kaddish, a prayer for the deceased, and special prayers for the departed’s soul, are read by the rabbi during the funeral service.
Question 3. Who comes to visit during the Shiva period?
Answer. A Minyan, a group of ten Jewish adults, is required for the communal prayers, including the Kaddish. Friends and family visit the mourning household to offer condolences and support during the Shiva period.
Question 4. Do I need to seek emotional support during funeral traditions?
Answer. You can seek emotional support from your Rabbi or community members, especially if you are feeling emotional and helpless. Seeking emotional support during this time can help you navigate your grief.
