•  Granite Headstones

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•  Cemetery Gravestones

•  Cemetety Statues

•  Memorial Stones

•  Obelisks & Cenotaphs

•  Granite Memorials
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•  Garden Stones

•  Memorial Symbols
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•  Service Areas

•  Funeral Services & Tips

•  Mortuary List & Tips

•  Cemetery List & Tips

•  Obituary Glossary & Tips

•  Cremation Tips

•  Memorial Music Tips

•  Memorial Poems & Tips

•  Sympathy Quotes & Tips

•  Urns Glossary & Tips

•  Caskets Glossary & Tips

•  Funeral Cost & Tips

•  Funeral Flowers & Tips

•  Funeral Homes Tips

Basics To Expect When Attending Jewish Funerals

Respect for the deceased is exhibited by following the rules of Jewish Funeral Etiquette. The memorial service is a gathering to grieve together. Family members should be allowed to start each conversation. Then friends can share memories.

The body is not left alone from the time the individual dies until the time of burial. A family member will be present during the preparation for burial. As the body is washed it is not proper to allow it to lie face down.

Men are prepared for burial by men and women by other women. A simple white shroud is placed on the body. The men wear a prayer shawl with one tassel missing. All being interred in a simple shroud ensures the poor of receiving the same amount of dignity as the wealthy.

The body is placed in a wooden casket allowing it to eventually be turned into dust. Those who mourn express it by rending their garments. This means they tear their outer clothing as an expression of their grief.

The decedent must be returned to the earth within 48 hours of passing away. According to Jewish custom, the casket is always closed. A rabbi prays in Hebrew. The family members may all contribute to delivering the eulogy.

Everyone is expected to listen and show a reverent attitude during the ceremony. It is considered appropriate to wear conservative, dark colored clothing. Casual wear, including sandals, is not acceptable.

The group at the graveside service is all relatives. After the burial, the family observes a time of mourning called sitting shiva. During that time neighbors and friends visit and bring gifts of food.

Kosher food is a good choice. All food should be prepared for eating. This relieves the family of the chore of cooking during this period of mourning. Jewish Funeral Etiquette includes relating a memory of a time shared with the deceased. This is a way to show the family their departed is going to be remembered fondly.