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Understanding The Basics Of A Jewish Funeral

A traditional Jewish funeral has certain elements to it. The main aim of these rituals is to honor the dead person, while being sensitive to his surviving family members. Generally, the specific customs carried out depends on the community the deceased person hailed from. But there are general customs that are observed at most burials.

Burial should take place as soon as possible. This is normally on the same day that the person has died. However, since it is not always possible to have all the family members around when the person dies, it may be necessary to delay the burial for sometime until all the mourners have arrived. It is up to the family to decide if they will delay the burial or not.

The casket is normally kept sealed at the memorial service. It is generally considered rude to look at someone who cannot look back at you. A plain and simple coffin is used. The coffin should be made from wood only as not metal parts are allowed, as metal does not decompose.

The body is not embalmed unless it is mandatory by law. This is to allow for fast decomposition when buried. A sacred society can be called upon to cleanse the body of the deceased and prepare it for burial. They bath the deceased and dress him.

The memorial service should be completed within a few minutes. Flowers are not allowed, though some Rabbi's may make exceptions. Mourners are not allowed to greet the attendees until after the ceremony has been completed. Mourners accompany the deceased to their final resting place.

At the conclusion of a Jewish funeral, mourners pass through the middle of the parallel line formed by the attendees. The attendees recite consoling words to the mourners. To symbolically cleanse themselves, mourners can wash their hands when leaving the graveside.