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Facts You Should Notice When Learning Traditions For Jewish Funeral
It is a Jewish funeral traditions not to leave the deceased unattended. The family or those conducting the funeral services must provide a Shomer, or watchmen, who will sit with the body until the burial. The very first person to be called upon a death is the rabbi, who decides upon a time for funeral proceedings. Funerals are typically held in the temple or synagogue, although many Jewish families are now opting for a graveside service only.
Unlike other funeral traditions, it is a Jewish custom to not view the body after death; it is seen as disrespectful since the deceased cannot look back. For this reason, Jewish funerals are typically closed casket.
Jews typically do not embalm the deceased, unless it is required by law. Instead, the Chevra Kadisha, a sacred society of Jewish followers, prepare the body for burial. They perform the Jewish Taharah, a purification process.
The body is first ritually bathed and then dressed in the Tachrichim, or shrouds, the traditional burial garment. It is a simple white garment that contains no pockets. This symbolizes the fact that the deceased takes nothing with them when they depart this world and that God will not judge on material possessions but rather their deeds and merits.
Families are able to choose their own caskets and make decisions regarding funeral details, however Jewish custom calls for wooden caskets with no metal and no flowers at the funeral.
The funeral typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes in which the rabbi with conduct a reading of the Psalms, other chosen Scripture readings, and a reading of the eulogy. Prior to or following the service, family and other mourners conduct the K'riah, or rendering of the garment, where they tear their clothes or place a black ribbon on their clothes. This shows others that they are in mourning for the deceased. These Jewish funeral traditions have been somewhat modified over time, but are generally followed by most Jews.
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