Maddy's Orthodox, Jewish, and Islamic flashcards all in one

What are the two main sects of Jewish faith?

Orthodox vs Conservative or reform

When does burial happen for Jewish people?

as quickly as possible; sometimes within 24 hours of death.

How is the notification of the death of a Jewish person handled?

Rabbi and leader of Chevra Kadisha are notified immediately unless on Shabbat

Define Chevra Kadisha

Hebrew phrase meaning Holy Society; a group of men or women from the synagogue who care for the dead; may be referred to by laymen as Washers; in the past, they took care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals

Define Shabbat

Jewish Sabbath

When is Shabbat?

From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday

How is the transfer of a Jewish person conducted?

Per Rabbi’s instructions. For most observant, not on Shabbat.

How is preparation of a Jewish person conducted?

• Taharah performed by Chevra Kadisha.

• Men wash men and women wash women.

Define Taharah

in the Jewish faith, the ceremony ofwashing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body; should be performed by the Chevron Kaddisha

Is embalming practiced by Jewish people?

No, unless required by civil law

What clothing are Jewish people buried in?

Dressed in Tachrichim made of linen. Men also wear Tallith/Tallis worn in life

Define Tachrichim

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

Define Tallish/Tallis

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

Define Kittel

outer robe or shirt with collar and sleeves

What does a casket look like for a Jewish funeral?

• made entirely of wood, with no metal parts or animal glue.

• Holes may be bored in the bottom to create more contact with the earth.

• Straw and earth from Israel may be used in bottom and/or as headrest.

Define Aron/oron

Hebrew word meaning container; a casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal parts

Once Chevra Kadisha places deceased in casket and closes it, it’s not typically ______________

reopened

In the Jewish faith the deceased should not be left unattended until burial is completed, so a watch is conducted called ___________

Shmeerah/Shmirah

Who does the Shmeerah/Shmirah?

the Shomer

Who is the shomer typically?

a volunteer from the family/synagogue

Define shomer

in the Jewish faith, a watcher; one who sits with the body until burial

Is a Jewish funeral ostentatious?

No, no flowers or music or videos or memorabilia

Is a visitation held for Jewish funerals?

No

What is the Jewish version of a visitation?

occurs after the burial in the form of Shivah

Define Shivah

in the Jewish faith, a seven-day mourning period

Until the proper burial is completed, the focus is on the ___________

deceased

Once burial is over, the focus shifts to the ___________

mourners

When is a Jewish funeral service not typically held?

on the Sabbath.

Where is a Jewish funeral service held?

Held at funeral home or cemetery (not usually in synagogue).

Define Tehillim

in the Jewish faith, prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer; taken from the book of Psalms

Define Hesped

in the Jewish faith, a eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased's life as a part of the funeral service

Define El Malei Rachimin

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

Define Levaya

In the Jewish faith, the funeral procession

Where should Jewish people be buried?

a Jewish cemetery or Jewish area of cemetery

What may happen during the procession?

Per Rabbi’s wishes, procession may stop at synagogue for prayers on way to cemetery.

How does a Jewish grave look before the casket is lowered and what is used to lower the casket?

• No mechanical lowering device, tent, or artificial grass

• Wooden planks and cloth straps are used

Are OBC’s used for Jewish graves?

Not typically, but now Jewish cemeteries often require an OBC (perhaps modified) to support the weight of the earth and maintain landscaping.

How is a Jewish Committal service conducted?

• Rabbi may stop seven times on way to grave.

• Rabbi conducts K’reeah/Kriah with direct mourners

• Family recites Kaddish for the first time at conclusion of committal service.

Define K’reeah/Kriah

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

Define Kaddish

in the Jewish faith, prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners (parents, siblings, spouse, and children) for the first time at the conclusion of the interment service; subsequently recited by children for parents at every service for eleven months and by other categories of mourners for 30 days

Define K’vurah/Kevurah

in the Jewish faith, the burial

How is a Jewish Burial conducted?

• includes Rabbi, then family members and others, shoveling earth onto the casket once lowered.

• All earth is returned to grave (so mounded)

• Family walks away between two lines of supporters

How is Shivah conducted?

• Times may be published in obituary

• Sit on Shiva stools; may cover mirrors

• No focus on vanity (hair, shaving, etc.)

• Visitors don’t initiate conversation, only family can

Define Sholoshim

meaning 30 in the Jewish faith; 30-day mourning period, Return to work or school, but no socializing

Define Yahrzeit (Mahzeit)

in the Jewish faith, anniversary of a death, May unveil the grave marker

Define Judaism

monotheistic religion of the Jewish people

Define menorah

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

Define Mogen David (Star of David)

in the Jewish faith, a hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles; also called the Jewish Star; symbolizes a new hope for the Jewish people

Define Rabbi

teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith

Define synagogue

orthodox Jewish religious building

Define temple

religious building of the Reform and Conservative Jewish faith

Define Torah

book of law, instruction, and learning

Define Yarmulke (Kippah, Yamaka)

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

Define Yizkor

In the Jewish faith, memorial service recited four times a year

Who was Mohammed?

The last prophet of islam

How was Mohammed given the instructions of islam?

through the archangel Gabriel, who dictated the word of God

Define Allah

proper name for God in the Islamic faith

What are the instructions given to Mohammed by Gabriel known as?

the Koran (Qur’an)

Define Koran (Qur’an)

the holy book of Islam

What does the Koran (Qur’an) speak of?

caring for the poor, a day of judgment and bodily resurrection.

What type of religion is Islam?

Monotheistic

What happens at the time of death in the Islamic faith?

• eyes of the deceased are closed, lower jaw bound and body covered by those present

• Imam of local Mosque often contacts the funeral director

• Ghusl takes place

Define imam

spiritual leader in the Islamic faith

Define mosque

Local Islamic religious facility containing no icons, statues, symbols, pews, chairs or musical instruments

Are embalming/autopsies permitted for Muslims?

No, unless required by law

Define Ghusl (Al-Ghusl)

practical and ceremonial washing of the body

What happens during the Ghusl?

• The body is washed an odd number of times, at least 3

• Men wash men; women wash women

• Husbands/wives may wash spouse or children

• Entire body is shrouded in the Kafan

• Prayers said for the deceased (recited in Arabic to Allah)

What supplies do funeral homes typically keep in the prep room for Muslim funerals?

towels, pitchers, soap, disposable gowns/gloves, camphor

Define Kafan

burial cloth

What are the Kafan garments?

Garments (white muslin) with a specific number of sheets (3 men; 5 women)

How is casketing done for a Muslim funeral?

• Body is placed in a casket or may be buried un-casketed if cemetery allows

• Head is turned so that upon burial it is facing Qiblah

Define Qiblah

direction of Mecca, where Muslims face during prayers

What do Islamic cemeteries do for Muslim funerals?

They will have graves dug appropriately so the body is positioned toward Mecca

When should a Muslim service happen?

as quickly as possible after Kafan

Does the FD typically go into the mosque during a Muslim funeral service?

No

Define Janazah

Islamic funeral service and prayer

How is the Islamic Janazah conducted?

• Imam will stand closest to deceased and lead

• Loud expressions of emotion are considered disrespectful

• Will be very brief, only a few minutes

Where is the Islamic Janazah held?

in the Musalla or outside the Mosque

Define Musalla

prayer room

When does burial for a Muslim happen?

• immediately following Janazah

• Should be avoided at certain times of day when other prayers are required

Where should Muslims be buried?

in a Muslim cemetery if possible

Are vaults used for Muslim burials?

No, unless its a cemetery requirement

Define Mecca (Qiblah)

the holiest city in the Islamic faith; Muslims are buried facing this city.

Whats another word for mosque?

Masjid

Define Islam

The religion of Muslims (Moslems) that began at the time of Mohammed (Muhammad); Muslims believe that Islam stands for purity, peace, submission to God’s (Allah’s) will, and obedience to his laws.

Define Muslin (moslem)

The name given to a member of the Islamic faith

Define Mohammed

Last prophet of the Islamic region born 571 C.E. (A.D.); considered by Muslims to be God’s messenger but not worshipped or considered to be divine.

Why is orthodox Christianity also called Eastern Orthodox Christianity?

because they stem from countries which shared the Christian heritage in the eastern part of Europe

Orthodox churches in the U.S. today include:

• Greek (largest)

• Russian

• Romanian

• Albanian

• Hungarian

When did the great schism happen?

1054

What did the great schism mark?

the final division from the Roman Catholic Church

What do all Orthodox Christian churches agree on?

On matters of faith, despite diversity of culture and language before arriving in the US; ethnicity often reflected in funeral services

Who governs each orthodox Christian church?

an independent council of bishops referred to as a “synod”

Are orthodox Christians under a single head such as a pope?

No

How are the clergy referred to as in a orthodox Christian church?

Referred to as priest, addressed as father

What does the term “Orthodox” mean/reflect?

belief that they believe and worship God correctly

What is orthodox synonymous with?

“right belief”; “right worship”

What is a orthodox Christian visitation historically called?

a Parastasis

Define parastasis

“watch” or “all night vigil” over a lifeless body

What Orthodox paraphernalia is required at the funeral home?

• Icon (holy picture) placed at foot end of casket

• Candles at each end