Chapter 4: Jewish Funeral Rites and Customs

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.

Sholoshim

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

Vestments

Ritual garments worn by the clergy.

Shabbat

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

Lowering Device

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

Synagogue

a place of religious worship in the Jewish faith; may also be referred to as Temple.

grave

an excavation in the earth as a place for interment

Kaddish

in the Jewish faith, a prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners for the first time at the conclusion of the interment service. It is subsequently rectified by children for parents at every service for eleven months and on yahrzeits. All other categories of mourners have the obligation to say the kaddish for 30 days.

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

Torah

the law of God and foundation upon which the Jewish faith is practiced, found in the first five books of the ancient Hebrew Bible and scriptures

Grave Straps

webbing or similar material used for lowering the casket into the grave

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.

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.

Cantor

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

Rabbi

A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith.

shroud

Burial cloth

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.