JEWISH FUNERAL RITES

Attention to detail

"NO DETAIL IS TOO SMALL" Ego aside -- the smallest detail missed will become a BIG item in the eyes of the family, these forgotten details will become the focus and often determines in the families eyes how well your service was to the family. Recheck yourself or have someone else to double check.

Chevrah Kadisha

Hebrew meaning "Burial Society". Holy Brotherhood of men or women from a synagogue who care for the dead. (Often referred to as "washers" by laymen.)

Smoothness of procedure

Learn how to become very flexible under many circumstances.

Shivah

Seven days of mourning following burial.

El Molei Rachamin

Sometimes referred to as the Molei. In the Jewish faith, a memorial service; literally meaning, "God full of compassion", usually the last prayer of the funeral service

. Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath which begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.

Yahrzeit (Mahzeit)

The anniversary of a death.

. Taharah

The ceremony performed by the Chevra Kaddisha of washing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body.

Hashkava

The deceased addressed by name in Hebrew, is asked by the participants to forgive any indignity. While the deceased is being positioned, prayers are recited. The limbs are straightened, eyes closed and mouth and jaw may be tied with a handkerchief or piece of cloth. Block or pillow should be placed under the head. Candle should be lit and placed at the head of the deceased. All mirrors within the household should be covered The total proceedings are referred to as Laying Down (Hashkava)

. Kever

The grave.

Arrangement Conference

The meeting between the funeral director and the client family during which the funeral arrangements are discussed. Use arrangements list.

. Yarmulke/Kippah

The skull cap worn by men at temple services and funeral services.

. Sholoshim

Thirty day mourning period in the Jewish faith.

Judaism

Thought to date back to the 16th century B.C., was the first monotheistic religion. Founded by Abraham, was the foundation for Christianity and Islam. Is based on the doctrine of one God, ancient scriptures (Old Testament) and Talmud (oral teachings of the Torah).

FTC

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TO GIVE THEM THE PRICE LIST BEFORE YOU BEGIN DISCUSSING THE ARRANGEMENTS.

Dignity and decorum

You should well-dressed in appropriate attire at all times when at work.

. Shomer

watcher (sitter) who remains with the body until burial.

General Guide to the Funeral: Objectives of the American Religious Funerals

1.Attention to detail 2. Reverence for sacred objects 3. Deference to clergy 4. Dignity and decorum 5. Smoothness of procedure

Three religious Jewish groupings in United States

1.Orthodox (traditional Jews): who continue the ancient traditions and beliefs. 2.Reform: who allow greater flexibility and have adapted to modern practices. 3.Conservative: who fit somewhere in between Orthodox and Reform. They still follow the ancient traditions, but have accepted gradual changes as a natural growth of the religion.

Menorah

A candelabrum with a central stem bearing seven candles. The oldest symbol in Judaism.

Hesped

A eulogy. A true evaluation of an individuals life sanctioned by Jewish tradition, as a part of the funeral service

Levaya

A funeral cortege.

. Tachrichim

A hand-swen white linen shroud in which the deceased members of the Jewish faith are dressed.

. Mogen David (Star of David)

A hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles, symbolizing a new hope for the Jewish people.

. Yizkor

A memorial service recited four times a year.

. Kaddish

A prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners (parents, siblings, spouse, children) for the first time at the conclusion of the interment service. It is recited by children for their parents at every service for eleven months

Tallith

A prayer shawl worn by Orthodox Jewish men during the morning prayer service.

Cantor

A religious singer who assists the rabbi.

. Rabbi

A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith.

Kevurrah

Burial

Funeral Director

Acts as a 1. FUNCTIONARY=collecting information necessary for legal documents (death certificate, burial or cremation permits, death notice or obituary), 2. PRESENTING MERCHANDISE=for family to purchase (caskets, vaults, urns, clothing, flowers, memorial markers). 3. FACILITATOR=in helping family plan a service that meets their needs, bringing comfort and support them Listen for those sighs, and pauses filled with sorrow, launder the soiled clothing. Listen for those unspoken words and create priceless goodwill. Usually first person to hear death story, first to observe acute grief of family, first to hear multiplicity of feelings family is going through, first to support.

Notification of Rabbi

All services and arrangements are under the direct supervision of the local Rabbi and a funeral director. The Rabbi should be immediately notified unless death occurs on the Sabbath (Saturday) in which case he should be notified immediately after the end of the Sabbath. The group leader of Cherva Kadisha Society should also be notified.

Aron

Hebrew meaning "container". A coffin or casket made entirely of wood and containing no metal parts.

. Kriah

Hebrew meaning rending or tearing; a symbol of grief, a tear in the upper corner of the garment or on a symbolic ribbon.

Reverence for sacred objects and deceased

IMPORTANT!! Treat family as your family. Families will trust you with information about deceased or family; KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. Any religious item(s) given by family MUST be treated with respect and special care should be taken with them while in your possession.

Tehillim

Prayers from the Book of Psalms said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer.