Orthodox Jewish Funeral Rites

Kaddish

In the Jewish faith, a prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners (parents, siblings, spouse, children) for the first time at the conclusion of interment service. It is subsequently recited by children for parents at every service for eleven months. All other categories of mourners have the obligation to say the Kaddish for 30 days.

Shomer

In the Jewish faith, a watcher. One who sits with the body until burial.

Tehillim

In the Jewish faith, prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the Shomer. These prayers come from the Book of Psalms.

Yahrzeit

In the Jewish faith, the 1 year anniversary of the death.

Kevurah

In the Jewish faith, the burial.

Taharah

In the Jewish faith, the ceremony of washing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body and should be performed by the Chevra Kaddisha.

Levaya

In the Jewish faith, the funeral procession (or cortege).

Kever

In the Jewish faith, the grave.

Yarmulke/Kippah

In the Jewish faith, the skullcap worn by men at temple services and funeral services.

Sholoshim

Meaning 30 in the Jewish faith. The 30 day mourning period.

Committal Service

That portion of the funeral which is conducted at the place of disposition of dead human bodies. 1. Cremation is prohibited 2. Absence of lowering device, use of grave straps. 3.Back fill grave 4.Outside enclosure 5. Aftercare

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath, begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday.

Grave straps

Webbing or similar material used for lowering the casket into the grave.

Back fill grave

1. Cover Aron so no wood shows. 2. Fill entire grave. 3. Fill grave to make a mound.

Preparation of remains:

1. Embalming usually NOT practiced. 2. Relationship of civil law to religious law. 3. Preparation, dressing and casketing of remains.

Notification of the Rabbi:

1. Immediately unless the death is on Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). 2. Also notify the group leader of the Chevra Kadisha.

Transfer of remains:

1. Prohibitions: DO NOT TRANSFER on Sabbath unless the body is in a public place or it interferes with public health. 2. Mandates: If a violent death the blood stained clothing MUST be placed in the Aron (casket) with the remains.

Preparation, dressing and casketing of remains:

1. When accomplished. 2. Ritual/washing/ceremonial washing 3. Use of shroud 4. Casket characteristics 5. Mogen David placed on the foot end of the casket. 6. Israeli earth (dirt) is placed in the casket and under the head of the deceased. 7. Casket Closed. No viewing.

Funeral Service

1. When and where the service is held. 2. Special clothing for service. 3. Flowers may be prohibited. 4. Funeral Procession may stop at the synagogue for prayer.

Grave

A evacuation in the earth as a place for interment Interment space.

Tachrichim

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

Lowering device

A mechanical device used to lower a casket into the ground.

Tallith

A prayer shawl worn by men during the Morning Prayer service in the Jewish faith. Tasseled shawl

Cantor

A religious singer who assists the clergy; assists the Rabbi in the Jewish faith; assists the Priests in the Eastern Orthodox faith.

Rabbi

A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith. Priest

Mikah

Cheverah Kadisha

Yizkor

In the Jewish faith, a memorial service recited 4 times a year.

El Malei Rachamin

In the Jewish faith, a memorial service; literally "God full of compassion"; usually the last prayer of the funeral service; sometimes referred to as the Malei. Last prayer of service.

Chevrah Kadisha

Hebrew meaning "Holy Society"; a group of men or women from the Synagogue who care for the dead; they may be referred to by laymen as the "washers"; in the past, took care of all funeral arrangements and preparations for Jewish funerals. Washing the body. The need a room to do this so that they are not subject to OSHA requirements for the prep room. They perform the Taharah. Regulations prescribe a form of water-based ritual washing in Judaism for removal of any ritual impurity, sometimes requiring just washing the hands, and at the other times requiring full immersion; the oral law requires the use of un-drawn water for any ritual full emersion - either a natural river/stream/spring, or a special bath (Mikvah) which contains water.

Aron

Hebrew meaning container; a casket made entirely of wood and contains no metal parts.

Kriah

Hebrew meaning rending to tearing in the upper corner of the garment or a tear on a symbolic ribbon which is worn by the survivors.

Shivah

In the Jewish faith, a 7 day mourning period.

Menorah

In the Jewish faith, a candelabrum with a central stem bearing seven candles; it is the oldest symbol in Judaism.

Hesped

In the Jewish faith, a eulogy, or true evaluation of the deceased's life that is a part of the funeral service.

Mogen David

In the Jewish faith, a hexagram formed by the combination of 2 triangles. May be called the Jewish Star. It symbolizes a New Hope for the Jewish people.