Jewish Funerals

Jewish funerals are governed by a set of rituals and traditions which particularly apply to the seven immediate family members; the spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister.
Some of the rituals may differ according to the different Jewish communities. Sephardi Jews originate from Spain and the Middle East and Ashkenazi Jews originate from Eastern Europe and Russia . Whilst Sephardi Jews have a strong communal bond, Ashkenazi may be divided into Orthodox, Conservative and Reform communities
Every Jewish community has a burial society called a Chevra Kadisha who prepare the body for burial and help make the funeral arrangements.
Jewish burials are usually held within 24 hours of death, but may be delayed if immediate family members have to travel long distances.
Most Jews are buried in a cemetary and some communities consider cremation a desecration of the body.
At the cemetery, the family and friends congregate in a small chapel with the coffin.
A symbolic small tear (Keriah) may be made in the mourner’s clothes which represents a broken heart
A eulogy (hesped) is given by the rabbi or close family friend.
The Kaddish, an ancient prayer is recited in Hebrew and again after the coffin has been interred.
The coffin is taken to the gravesite and it is considered an honour to help shovel in the earth.
There is a symbolic washing of hands by everyone and everyone returns home.
In the evening, the first shiva will take place. This is the time when the mourners stay at home and will be visited by friends and acquaintances. A year of official mourning follows and certain communities will have specific customs associated with the year