Jewish Funeral Rites and Customs

Aron

Hebrew term meaning “container;” a casket made entirely of wood w/o metal parts

Cantor

A religious singer who assists clergy; one who assists Rabbi; one who assists the priest in Eastern Orthodox Faith

Chevrah Kadisha

Hebrew term meaning “holy society;” a group of men or women who care for the dead; may be referred to as “washers;” historically took care of all funeral arrangements and prep

El Malei Rachamin

A memorial service; literally means ‘God full of compassion;’ normally the final prayer of the funeral service; alternatively referred to as the Malei

Hesped

A eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased’s life

Kaddish

A prayer recited for the deceased by DIRECT mourners (parents, siblings, spouse, children) for the first time at the conclusion of the interment service; subsequently recited by children for parents at every service for 11 months & on yahrzeits; all other mourners are obligated to say kaddish for 30 days

Kriah

Literally “rending” or “tearing;” a symbol of grief; a tear in the upper corner of a garmet or tear on a symbolic ribbon worn by survivors

Lavaya

The funeral procession

Menorah

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

Mogen David/Star of David

A hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles; symbolizes new hope for the Jewish people

Rabbi

A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith

Shabbat

The sabbath; begins sundown Friday and ends sundown Saturday

Shivah

A seven day mourning period

Sholoshim

Means “30;” a 30 day mourning period

Shomer

A watcher; one who sits with the deceased reading Psalms until burial

Synagogue

A place of religious worship; may also be referred to as Temple or Shul

Tachrichim

A hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased are dressed

Taharah

The ceremonial washing of the deceased prior to burial; a ritual purification/cleansing; should be performed by the Chevrah Kadisha

Tallith

A prayer shawl worn by men during the morning prayer service

Tehillim

Prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer; these prayers come from the book of Psalms

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

Yahrzeit

the anniversary of a death

Yarmulke/kippah

a skull cap worn by males at temple and funeral services

Yizkor

a memorial service recited four times a year