Time span which funeral may happen in
24 hours in order to honour and follow Jewish law
What is the Chevra Kaddish
- Sacred society which prepare the body for the funeral/burial by washing the body and wrapping it in white shrouds
- volunteers of the community
What is the symbolism of the white shrouds
Equality in death
Everyone is from the same origin, no one is greater than the other
What does this verse tell us
“For dust you are and to dust you will return” - Genesis 3:19
- life’s cycle
- everything is temporary
- everyone is equal
What is Shiva
- 7 day long mourning period straight after the burial
- mourners stay home and do not do any daily tasks
- they have visitors to provide support and comfort
- mirrors are all covered to have maximum reflection and focus
What is Sheloshim
- 30 days after shiva
- mourners return to work and daily life but avoid celebrations
- they continue to say the Kaddish daily (prayer praising God)
What is the Yahrzeit
- one year anniversary of the death
- families recite the Kaddish over a lighten candle (symbolising the ner tamid)
- it acts as a time to reflect remember and honour the deceased
One strength and weakness of shiva
Strength - gives the mourners time to reflect and process their emotions
Weakness - makes them focus and think only about the death person which can lead to a deeper depression
One strength and weakness of Sheloshim
Strength - makes the transition into normal life more smoother and easier
Weakness - can lead the mourner to feel disconnected from the community as they do not attend ceremonies
One strength and weakness of Yahrzeit
Strength - shows the dead person is not forgotten and acts as a way to honour them
Weakness - could restart the mourning process
What are the main focuses of a Jewish funeral + where do they normally happen
Prayers, eulogies, psalms, Kaddish recited
They take place at synagogue or graveside or funeral homes
What happens immediately after death
The shema prayer is recited
Body is treated with respect and never left alone (shmirah)
Psalms may be recited
Graveside rituals
- body is placed in a simple wooden coffin
- family members put in a handful of dirt in as an act of kindness
What are the 3 steps of the chevra kaddisha
- taharah (purification) - body is washed in order to purify it
- prayers are recited while performing the ritual, asking for the deceased’s soul to rest in peace
- body is dressed in white shrouds to symbolise purity and equality in death
