•  Granite Headstones

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•  Cemetery Gravestones

•  Cemetety Statues

•  Memorial Stones

•  Obelisks & Cenotaphs

•  Granite Memorials
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•  Garden Stones

•  Memorial Symbols
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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 To Know When Attending Jewish Funerals

Respect for the deceased is exhibited by following the rules of Jewish Funeral Etiquette. The memorial service is a gathering to grieve together. Family members should be allowed to start each conversation. Then friends can share memories.

From time of death, the body of the deceased is to be observed continuously until it is buried. Usually a family member oversees the preparation for the burial ceremony. During the washing it is traditional to keep the body facing up.

Men are prepared for burial by men and women by other women. A simple white shroud is placed on the body. The men wear a prayer shawl with one tassel missing. All being interred in a simple shroud ensures the poor of receiving the same amount of dignity as the wealthy.

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 burial must take place within 48 hours of the time of death. A closed casket is customary. A rabbi will pray at the memorial service in the Hebrew language. Family members will offer eulogies.

Conservative clothing in dark colors is the customary clothing for family and friends to wear. No casual clothes are permitted, such as sandals or shorts. That would show a lack of respect on this solemn occasion.

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 food is a good choice. All food should be prepared for eating. This relieves the family of the chore of cooking during this period of mourning. Jewish Funeral Etiquette includes relating a memory of a time shared with the deceased. This is a way to show the family their departed is going to be remembered fondly.