•  Granite Headstones

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•  Memorial Tomb Stones

•  Cemetery Gravestones

•  Cemetety Statues

•  Memorial Stones

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•  Granite Memorials
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•  Service Areas

•  Funeral Services & Tips

•  Mortuary List & Tips

•  Cemetery List & Tips

•  Obituary Glossary & Tips

•  Cremation Tips

•  Memorial Music Tips

•  Memorial Poems & Tips

•  Sympathy Quotes & Tips

•  Urns Glossary & Tips

•  Caskets Glossary & Tips

•  Funeral Cost & Tips

•  Funeral Flowers & Tips

•  Funeral Homes Tips

What You Should Expect When Visiting Jewish Funeral Services

The requirements of Jewish Funeral Etiquette share many of the features of any memorial service. The customs surrounding this time for mourning include sharing pleasant memories of the lost loved one and paying your last respects. The rules of etiquette that apply to the burial customs of this religion have many similarities to all funerals.

The body is not left alone from the time the individual dies until the time of burial. A family member will be present during the preparation for burial. As the body is washed it is not proper to allow it to lie face down.

Males complete the preparations for males. Females prepare the female decedent. Each individual is washed and then covered in a white shroud. Males are buried with prayer shawls that have a tassel removed. Everyone, rich or poor deserves a decent burial. By using simple garments for all, equal treatment and respect is assured.

A wooden coffin is used because a body is supposed to turn to dust eventually. Holes are drilled in the bottom of the casket for that reason. People show sorrow by tearing at their outer clothing.

The funeral is conducted no more than 48 hours after death. Jewish custom dictates a closed casket. Prayers will be offered by a rabbi in Hebrew. Eulogies are given by the members of the family.

Careful attention is required during the service to show reverence. Everyone is supposed to wear dark, conservative clothing to the service. Casual clothing is not allowed. Even open toed shoes are forbidden.

The group at the graveside service is all relatives. After the burial, the family observes a time of mourning called sitting shiva. During that time neighbors and friends visit and bring gifts of food.

Kosher foods and other meals are all acceptable gifts. The family is supposed to be able to avoid cooking during the mourning period. Visitors share memories of the deceased in the form of anecdotes and stories. Jewish Funeral Etiquette encourages showing that the one who passed away will be missed and remembered.