Jewish Funeral Terms

Shivah

In the Jewish faith, a seven (7) day mourning period.

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 anniversary of the death.

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.

Synagogue

Jewish house of worship

Kaddish

Jewish prayer for the dead

Rabbi

Jewish religious leader

Sholoshim

Meaning 30 in the Jewish faith; the 30-day mourning period.

Shabbat

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

Cantor

a religious singer who assists the clergy; one who assists the Rabbi in the Jewish faith; or one who assists the priest in the Eastern Orthodox faith.

Levaya

in the Jewish faith, the funeral procession

Yarmulke (Kippah, Yamaka)

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

Menorah

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

Tachrichim

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

Tallith

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

Mogen David (Star of David)

In the Jewish faith, a hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles. May be called the Jewish Star. It symbolizes a new hope for the Jewish people.

Yizkor

In the Jewish faith, a memorial service recited four 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.

Aron

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

Kriah

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

Chevrah Kadisha

Hebrew phrase 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 preparation for Jewish funerals.

Hesped

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