Category Archives: Blog

The cemetery is the final resting place for a loved one. In order for the bond developed through life to continue in the afterlife, many families prefer to be buried in the same cemetery. It’s also common for married couples to arrange for burial in the same cemetery plot. The double Jewish monument allows couples to be buried with a bashert, a lifelong partner. Read on to learn how the double monument ordering process works, and how the second side is inscribed later on.

 

 

How Are Double Jewish Headstones Designed?

The layout of the headstone inscription can vary based on the particular choices made by the family.

Last Name

Most couples who choose this option share a last name. So, unlike single monuments, the last name is placed at the top of the double monument, apart from the rest of the inscription. The rest of the inscription is specific to each partner, and placed on either side.

First Name

The first name for each individual is inscribed at the top of both sides of the monument. Sometimes, the first name will be preceded by the Hebrew phrase “ פּ״נ”, which translates to “Here lies”. Depending on personal preference, the name may also be
inscribed in Hebrew.

Symbols

There are a wide variety of Jewish Symbols Jewish symbols that have meaning and significance on headstones. On double Jewish monuments, it’s common to place symbols on either side of the last name, between the two sides of the monument, or alongside the individual’s first name. However, this decision is left up to the family. Common Jewish headstone symbols include the Menorah, the Star of David, and the Torah.

Family Relationships

When creating the inscription for a double Jewish headstone, many families choose to include the relationships of the deceased. For example, grandparents may have “beloved grandfather” inscribed on the headstone. This reminds visitors of the role that they played in life.

Dates

The birth and death dates signify the beginning and end of life on earth. While this placement can vary, they are generally placed below either the name, or the relationships.

Epitaph

An epitaph can offer a meaningful insight into one’s life through a quote, poem, snippet of scripture, or song lyrics. On double Jewish headstones, the epitaph is placed below everything else. Depending on the size of the monument, the couple might instead have one epitaph at the bottom.

 

How Is the Second Side of a Double Jewish Monument Inscribed?

For families who choose to order a double Jewish headstone, this is a common question. Because the headstone is placed in the ground after the first person passes away, the second side of the headstone is not always inscribed. At the very least, it will not have the date of death. These details can be added without removing the monument from the cemetery.

Our monument engravers can match the style of the existing text and add in the new lettering. Before doing so, they will render a proof of how the finished monument will appear, to ensure accuracy.

 

Double Jewish Headstones Long Island

Fox Monuments is wholly committed to helping families make arrangements with minimal difficulty. Our staff is dedicated to helping you create a lasting and fitting monument that will commemorate your loved one.

As one of the oldest religions in practice today, Judaism has very specific, ancient burial guidelines. These customs typically begin immediately following the death of a loved one. And they don’t end until the mourning period concludes, following the Unveiling Ceremony.

It’s important for people who are adhering to these guidelines, whether by family tradition or out of respect for the individual’s religious customs, to follow these traditions closely. Each tradition carries great spiritual significance, and while there is some degree of flexibility, most of these customs have remained the same for centuries.

Jewish Funerals

Jewish Mourning Period

 

• Headstone Unveiling: While Jewish customs do require a marked headstone, they do not require an unveiling. Many families do, however, choose to hold an unveiling because of the sentimental value. The family of the deceased hold a ceremony to unveil the headstone to close family and friends. This usually takes place around the time of the first Yahrzeit.
• Yahrzeit: The first anniversary of one’s passing, the Yahrzeit is a time of remembrance for the family. The headstone is usually unveiled. The most prominent tradition is lighting a candle for 24 hours in honor of their memory. Many families also recite the Kaddish prayer.

Selecting Jewish Monuments

Before ordering a monument, it’s important to consider a few variables. If the deceased person was married, then their spouse might elect to order a double headstone. This ensures a pre-designated plot and headstone, and traditionally, symbolizes an eternal bond. However, this arrangement is not required by the Jewish traditions. Jewish monuments also typically have Hebrew prayers and Jewish symbols inscribed onto them.

With great respect and admiration for Jewish customs, our monument company understands how to help families honor Jewish burial traditions. We can guide you through this process in a respectful way.

Jewish religion and culture rely heavily on the unity of family. And, this custom extends into the grieving process as well. To abide by ancient customs, the Jewish funeral generally takes place as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. This helps the family to constructively process this grief, and move on with renewed strength thanks to love and support. In this blog post, we’ll describe the various parts of the Jewish funeral.

 

 

The Jewish Funeral Ceremony

Like the location of the funeral service, the format of the funeral can vary as well. There is no one accepted structure, but most funerals have these elements.

The Tearing of the Clothing

Before the service begins, the mourners traditionally gather in a separate room and rend their clothing. This custom, called keriah, is a physical expression of the grief that the mourners are feeling. In many circles, rather than ripping the garments, mourners will instead place a black ribbon that signifies their loss on the clothing.

During the eulogy, the speaker remarks on the significance and importance of the deceased individual. The family generally provides the rabbi with information about the deceased, so that the eulogy can be personal. They may discuss important moments spent with family, or their loving and devoted mindset. Highlighting personal accomplishments is another common part of eulogies.

It is also common for family members to eulogize their loved ones. In some circles, family members instead give eulogies during the home prayer service.

Memorial Prayer

The El Malei Rachamim prayer requests peace for the deceased individual from God, asking him to remember their righteous deeds. The congregation in attendance chants this prayer, affirming that the deceased is “sheltered beneath the wings of God’s presence.”

 

At the Site of the Grave

After chanting the memorial prayer in unison, the mourners then move to the site of the grave and the Jewish monument. This procession normally happens as a group. This procession normally stops either three or seven times to signify the mourners’ difficulty in saying goodbye.

Prayers at the Gravesite

Once the funeral procession has reached the gravesite and the Jewish monument, they then begin praying. This series of prayers may include the El Malei Rechamim, as well as other memorial prayers.

 

Jewish Monuments on Long Island

At Fox Monuments, we are dedicated to creating headstones that accurately commemorate your loved ones. Our team is always available to offer support and guide you through the decision making process.

For followers of Judaism, honoring the spirit and memory of the deceased is paramount. In addition to planning a Jewish memorial and purchasing a Jewish monument, Jewish people also celebrate the Yahrzeit. Reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the deceased, is another important Jewish burial tradition. Read on to learn more about the significance of the Kaddish prayer in modern-day Judaism.

What is the Kaddish Prayer?

The Kaddish prayer is one of the most important within the entire scope of Judaism. In fact, the Kaddish prayer is equally (if not more) important as the Jewish monument unveiling ceremony. The Kaddish prayer is a way for Jewish people to offer praise to God, and thank Him for all of life’s experiences. In doing so, this prayer also expresses and articulates the value of life, presenting God as a peaceful and benevolent ruler of the Earth.

While the Kaddish is always a significant prayer during service, it carries additional significance during times of grief. According to Jewish tradition, each member of the Jewish faith has a certain sense of Godliness. After an individual passes, this radiance or presence becomes slightly diminished. Reciting the Kaddish restores the presence of God within the world, in an homage to the memory of the deceased.

In order to recite the Kaddish, 13 Jewish men must make a quorum. This is because there are several responses that benefit from group participation. The Jewish monument unveiling ceremony requires the same quorum, when the rabbi reads the Kaddish.

The Mourner’s Kaddish

The Mourner’s Kaddish is a slight variant of the traditional Kaddish prayer that one recites during Jewish services. While the standard Kaddish prayer requires a quorum, the Mourner’s Kaddish is to be an individual activity.

Like other stages of mourning, the Mourner’s Kaddish is to help the family of the deceased come to terms with their passing. The Mourner’s Kaddish does not allude to the deceased individual, or even the concept of death. Instead, it is a celebration of life, and all that God has to offer.

After a parent passes, the son says the Kaddish for 11 months. In doing so, he will demonstrate to God the importance of spirituality, and that his parents raised a faithful child. Additionally, it is great praise for a child to be so devoted in prayer to the welfare of his family. This period ends with the Yahrzeit, when the family unveils the Jewish monument.

Jews should also recite the Kaddish for other family members. After the passing of a child, sibling or spouse, Jews should recite the Kaddish for 30 days.

The Kaddish also encourages a community environment. This has many psychological benefits, especially for mourners.

In some cases, there is not a son that is able to carry these important duties out. Customarily, the family may ask another relative to pray in the stead of a son. When this is not possible, they may hire somebody to say the Mourner’s Kaddish.

Aside from especially traditional sects of Judaism (such as Orthodox Jews), women are permitted to recite the Kaddish.

Reciting the Kaddish on the Yahrzeit

The Yahrzeit is another important opportunity to honor the deceased members of the family. It occurs each year following the death of a relative, and gives the family the opportunity to thank the deceased for positive memories.

What is the Origin of the Kaddish Prayer?

Originally written in Aramaic, a language related to Hebrew, the writers of the Kaddish prayer intended for the masses to understand the Kaddish prayer. In fact, it’s origin dates back as far as the Talmud. Formerly, Jews called it the Orphan’s Kaddish, reserving it for children to pray for parents.

Long Island Jewish Monuments

At Fox Monuments, we are dedicated to crafting beautiful and meaningful Jewish monuments for our Long Island customers. Utilizing Jewish headstone symbols, all of our monuments are created to serve as a lasting testament to an individual’s life. Contact us to learn more about our Jewish monuments.

Fox Monuments has served Long Island’s Jewish community for decades. We’ve provided guidance and support throughout difficult times of grieving. Naturally, we’ve done our best to honor the many Jewish customs and traditions surrounding death and burial.

In the Jewish faith, there are specific guidelines surrounding the appropriate response to a death in the family. Some of these traditions concern the burial process. Others concern the unveiling of the Jewish headstone with beautifully inscribed symbols. However, Jewish people also have a structured mourning process. These phases exist in part because of tradition. They’re also a natural way to ease the transition. In this post, we’ll outline the five stages of the grieving process.

 

 

Shiva: The Second Stage

Lasting for seven days after burial, the Shiva is the second stage in the mourning process. During this time, the immediate family of the dead sits Shiva in their home. They may also sit Shiva in the home of the deceased. Friends and family members visit to offer their condolences. This is called “sitting Shiva”.

 

Yahrzeit: The Fourth Stage

While not technically a stage, the Yahrzeit marks the end of the initial grieving process. Mourners commemorate the death of their loved ones by lighting a candle, symbolizing eternal love and remembrance. The Yahrzeit candle is one of the most important parts of paying tribute to a loved one.

In addition to lighting the Yahrzeit candle, the Yahrzeit carries more significance. Family members recite the Mourner’s Kaddish. Finally, the Jewish headstone receives an inscription.

Shneim Asar Chodesh

For Jewish people who have lost a parent and wish to adhere to tradition, the Shloshim practices may last longer. Those who follow the Shneim Asar Chodesh continue to refrain from fun activities.

What is Avelut?

Avelut is not a stage of mourning, but rather describes the process as a whole. Avelut encompasses the various phases of mourning, including Shiva, Shloshim, and for some, the year of mourning.

 

Conclusion

At Fox Monuments, our primary goal has always been to provide as much comfort to mourning families as we can. We make every effort to remain respectful to and considerate of the grieving process as you order your Jewish headstone.

We take great pride in helping families through difficult times, and with minimal stress. Contact us to learn more about how we can craft a beautiful monument for your loved one.

Burying the body as soon as possible after death is central to Jewish burial traditions. Doing so allows the family and friends of the deceased to begin their progression along the Jewish mourning process. But, before the body can be buried, it must be cleaned. This practice, called Taharah, is an important element of preparing for burial. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the spiritual significance of Taharah, and why the body should be cleaned before being buried with the Jewish monument.

 

Who is Tasked with Cleaning the Body?

Cleaning the body in the Jewish funeral tradition is considered a high honor. And, it is not bestowed upon family members, or even close friends. Rather, individuals who are part of chevra kadisha societies are charged with cleaning the body of deceased individuals.

These societies do maintain and follow their own strict guiding procedures as well. First, people are only allowed to wash bodies of the same gender. Men may only wash men, and women may only wash women. This custom exists to maintain a level of modesty, even in death. To prevent additional grief during a time of extreme sadness, family members are not asked to participate in this tradition. Like the process of the rabbi leading the Kaddish prayer alongside the Jewish headstone, the chevra kadisha perform this prayer in a practiced manner.

The members of the chevra kadisha who are performing the ritual also recite prayers and psalms, with the goal of sending the spirit into the afterlife in a fully cleansed state. Once the body has been fully cleaned, the chevra kadisha place a prayer shawl or other religious garment over the body. While being buried beneath the Jewish headstone, the individual traditionally wears this garment.

In order to find members of the chevra kadisha in your area, you should consult your rabbi.

 

Who Watches the Body Before it is Cleaned?

From the time of death until the time of burial alongside the Jewish monument, the body of a deceased individual is never left alone. This custom, called Shemira, began as a way to prevent thieves and animals from tampering with the body. Now, it lives on as a way to show respect to and comfort the deceased, while also comforting the family.

The individual who guards the body is called a shomer. Shomers are either selected from a chevra kadisha, or from the congregation. While guarding the body of the deceased, shomers are restricted from eating, drinking, and other recreational activities, as a sign of respect.

So, before the body is washed by the chevra kadisha, it is watched over by one or several shomers. While this practice is not as common in modern times as it once was, Orthodox Jews generally still follow this tradition, along with the Jewish headstone unveiling tradition.

 

What is the Spiritual Significance of Washing the Body?

Taharah is also an expression of the cyclicality of life. Following birth, newborn children are washed, to attain a level of spiritual purity. Taharah enables deceased individuals to depart from this world with that same level of purity.

The process of the taharah reflects its spiritual importance. The individual performing the cleaning also recites prayers, asking God to forgive any sins committed by the deceased. These prayers also ask God to watch over the deceased.

 

 

Understanding Jewish Monument Traditions

At Fox Monuments, we are prepared to help you through this process at every step of the way. Our experienced team will guide you through the memorial purchasing process, and give you the information you need to make informed decisions. Contact us to begin ordering a monument, or check out our selection.

Fox Monuments, as a provider of Jewish headstones, understands the significance of family to people of the Jewish faith. We also deeply respect the practice of paying tribute to and commemorating deceased loved ones. Jewish traditions are critical to the stages of mourning and burial.

In the Jewish faith, these cultural traditions extend well beyond the time of death. Yahrzeit candles are central to this tradition, with great significance to the grieving process.

When is the Appropriate Time to Light Yahrzeit Candles?

Yahrzeit candles are lit at sundown on the eve of the Yahrzeit, or the anniversary of a loved one’s death. They’re also lit at sundown on religious holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Passover and Shavuot.

These candles should burn naturally until they cannot anymore, rather than being extinguished. It’s acceptable to light a Yahrzeit candle on the day of the anniversary if you forget the night before.

It is also customary to burn a Yahrzeit candle throughout the Shiva.

Who Should Light The Candles?

In a similar vein to the burial and installation of a Jewish headstone, Yahrzeit candles are generally reserved for immediate family members. This includes spouses, parents and children. Each family member should light a candle, unless they live in the same household. They should do this for each family member who has passed on.

 

Are There any Accompanying Customs?

There is no specific prayer the Jewish faith requires during a Yahrzeit. However, saying the Mourner’s Kaddish is a common tradition in some families.

There are many celebrated readings that mourners recite at Jewish memorials. It’s important to remember the life and legacy of those you lost when selecting a poem or text to read during the service. Whichever piece (or pieces) best reflects your loved one is the optimal one to read aloud.

It is customary to honor the memory of the deceased during this time. Reflection on the positive memories of your loved ones, and the happy times you shared, is a fitting tribute for their life. Sharing the positive stories of your loved ones will keep their memory alive forever.

 

Conclusion

At Fox Monuments, our primary goal has always been to provide as much comfort and support to mourning families as we can. We make every effort to remain respectful to and considerate of the grieving process as you order your Jewish headstone.

We take great pride in helping families through difficult times, and with minimal stress. Contact us to learn more about how we can craft a beautiful monument for your loved one.

When a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or family member suffers a loss, our instinct is to help. It is a natural response—an impulse to comfort and provide support in any way we can. Our hearts ache for them, and we want to ease their burden, giving them strength and support during this difficult time. Often, this instinct leads us to send a gift or gesture of sympathy, such as food, flowers, or other tokens of care.

However, when supporting a family of Jewish faith, it is important to approach the situation with knowledge of their customs and traditions. Judaism is a deeply rooted, globally-practiced religion, with detailed observances surrounding death, mourning, and memorials. What might be considered thoughtful in one culture can unintentionally conflict with Jewish mourning practices.

This post will guide you through the types of gifts and gestures that are appropriate—and inappropriate—when expressing sympathy to a Jewish family. By understanding the customs of Jewish mourning, you can provide meaningful support without inadvertently causing discomfort or offense.

Understanding Jewish Mourning Practices

Before discussing gifts, it is important to understand the structure of Jewish mourning. Judaism approaches death with dignity, ritual, and communal support. Mourning practices are designed to honor the deceased, comfort the bereaved, and gradually help the family reintegrate into daily life while maintaining respect for the memory of the loved one.

Some key Jewish mourning practices include:

• Shiva: The first week after burial, where family members sit at home and receive visitors offering condolences. Shiva provides an opportunity for communal support and reflection.
• Shloshim: The first thirty days after the burial. Mourning is somewhat less intense, but still observed with specific customs.
• Yahrzeit: The annual anniversary of a loved one’s passing, often marked by lighting a candle and reciting prayers.
• Unveiling Ceremony: A formal dedication of the headstone, typically held months after the burial.

Understanding these observances is critical, as certain gestures that are standard in other cultures—such as sending flowers—can conflict with Jewish traditions.

Why Flowers Are Not Appropriate

In many cultures, sending flowers is a common gesture of sympathy. However, in Jewish tradition, flowers generally do not play a role in mourning or funeral customs. There are several reasons for this:

• Focus on permanence: Judaism emphasizes lasting remembrance, symbolized by placing stones on graves rather than temporary items like flowers. A stone signifies enduring memory, continuity, and stability.
• Non-disruption of mourning: Flowers are often viewed as bright, celebratory, and decorative—qualities that can feel incongruous with the solemnity of mourning. Receiving flowers at a Jewish home during Shiva may unintentionally distract from the grieving process.
• Practicality: Families sitting Shiva are often occupied with hosting visitors, reciting prayers, and observing rituals. Flowers require care and placement, which may add an unintended burden.

In fact, many Jewish funeral etiquette sources strongly advise against flowers at funerals, graves, or Shiva visits. Sending flowers, though well-intentioned, may be perceived as insensitive or out of touch with Jewish mourning traditions.

Alternative Ways to Support a Jewish Family in Mourning

If flowers are not appropriate, what can you do to express sympathy in a way that honors Jewish customs? Fortunately, there are thoughtful alternatives that provide real comfort and assistance to grieving families:

1. Sending Food or Care Packages

Food is one of the most meaningful ways to support a family during Shiva. Preparing or sending meals ensures that mourners do not have to worry about daily sustenance while focusing on prayers, reflection, and receiving visitors.

Common Shiva care packages include:

• Pastries, breads, and baked goods
• Fresh fruit and nuts
• Coffee, tea, or other beverages
• Candies, chocolates, or other small treats
• Prepared meals such as meat, fish, or vegetarian platters
• Salads, sides, and condiments

Families often appreciate when meals are kosher, but even non-kosher foods can be useful depending on the household. When in doubt, ask the funeral home or family if there are dietary restrictions.

For an extra special gesture, some friends and neighbors arrange full catering or meal delivery services for the family during Shiva. This approach can be especially helpful for larger gatherings or when family members live far away and are unable to help in person.

2. Donations in Memory of the Deceased

Charitable giving, known as Tzedakah, is a core value in Judaism. Making a donation in memory of the deceased is both respectful and meaningful. Common types of donations include:

• Contributions to synagogues, schools, or religious organizations
• Support for social service programs such as hospitals, shelters, or food banks
• Scholarships or educational funds in the deceased’s name

When making a donation, it is customary to inform the family of the contribution, either through a card or a personal message. This shows that you have honored their loved one’s memory in a tangible and enduring way.

3. Offering Practical Help

In addition to gifts and care packages, practical assistance can be invaluable. Offering to help with tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning, or childcare allows the family to focus on mourning. Even simple gestures, like running errands or helping with synagogue arrangements, can make a profound difference during the grieving process.

Respecting Shiva Visits

Shiva is the most intensive period of mourning and involves a defined set of rituals. Visitors are encouraged to offer support and comfort, but there are cultural nuances to keep in mind:

• Dress modestly and conservatively
• Offer condolences with simple phrases like “May their memory be a blessing”
• Do not ask intrusive questions about the death or circumstances
• Participate in prayers or readings respectfully if invited
• Bring food or a small token of comfort rather than flowers

By following these guidelines, visitors can help honor the mourning process and provide genuine support to the family.

Honoring the Memory of the Deceased

Jewish mourning practices emphasize memory and legacy. Beyond immediate condolences, there are many ways to honor a loved one over time:

• Lighting a Yahrzeit candle on the anniversary of the death
• Participating in memorial services and synagogue prayers
• Visiting the grave and placing a stone in remembrance
• Supporting causes or charities that were important to the deceased

These practices not only preserve the memory of the departed but also provide comfort and a sense of connection for the family. By understanding these customs, friends and neighbors can align their gestures with Jewish traditions in a thoughtful way.

Conclusion

The term Tzedakah translates to “righteous giving” in Hebrew, highlighting the importance of compassion, generosity, and support in Judaism. These values extend naturally into the practice of comforting those in mourning. While flowers are typically inappropriate, gifts of food, care packages, charitable donations, and practical assistance are meaningful ways to support grieving Jewish families.

At Fox Memorials, we are proud to serve Long Island’s Jewish community by providing monuments and memorial services that honor both faith and legacy. Our decades of experience ensure that every family receives the highest quality service, preserving the memory of their loved one in a way that is respectful, beautiful, and enduring. By understanding and respecting Jewish mourning customs, you can offer support in a way that truly makes a difference during life’s most difficult moments.

Remember, the most valuable gift you can give a grieving family is your presence, compassion, and respect for their traditions. Whether through food, practical help, or charitable giving, your support helps families navigate their mourning with dignity, strength, and love.

A headstone should be a lasting testament to an individual’s life. With a beautiful headstone inscription, a description of their relationships to others, plus symbols, there is a lot that a headstone can say about a person. Ultimately, a headstone is a permanent, enduring tribute to the legacy of a loved one.

Reasons to Choose a Double Jewish Headstone

Financial Reasons

Unfortunately, funeral arrangements can be quite a financial burden for many families. This is especially true when the monument is not pre-planned. Purchasing a double Jewish headstone will help offset these costs for a more affordable headstone.

In terms of the headstone, it’s much cheaper to purchase one double headstone than it is to purchase two single headstones. The cost of materials is much cheaper. Additionally, a two plot grave is more reasonably priced than two separate single grave sites. Therefore, purchasing a double Jewish monument for your loved one is both a sound financial and spiritual decision.

Double Monuments are Larger

Similar to the convenience of visitation, double monuments are also larger. Basically, this means that they’re easier to identify in a group. They’re also more visually appealing. This is great for families who appreciate fine details in a headstone. A larger headstone enables families to honor their deceased relatives.

Relatives Can Be Buried at Different Times

It’s uncommon for two family members sharing a family monument to pass away at the same time. Instead, the ordering process normally takes place after the first individual passes away. The other half of the headstone is typically left blank.

After the second individual passes away, our craftsmen can inscribe the memorial symbols for the latter, whether it’s a spouse, parent, child or other relation. They can do this without ever removing the headstone. In fact, our staff can add new inscriptions while the headstone’s still in the ground.

 

Conclusion

At Fox Monuments, our goal is to help you give your family the honored burial they deserve. We strive to make this process as seamless and comforting for you during your time of grief.

At Fox Monuments, we have years of experience as a leading provider of Jewish monuments for Long Island. Providing guidance and support for the Jewish community in times of hardship has always been our highest priority. As Long Island’s most trusted provider of Jewish monuments, we hold Jewish tradition in high esteem.

The Jewish faith has rich historical significance. There are thousands of customs, practices and rituals that govern Jewish culture. Their practices regarding death and mourning are no different. The Meal of Consolation , Chevra Kadisha, and Shiva are just a few of the notable Jewish traditions passed down through generations of Jewish families.

Most of the customs we’ve discussed in previous posts concern how the bereaved family proceeds during and after the burial. However, according to the Talmud and Kabbalah, the time directly after death is a crucial transition period. The belief is that directly after a death, the deceased experiences as much hardship as their family.

In this post, we’ll discuss the Jewish customs practiced in the period directly after a death. Read on for more information.

 

The Transition

Jewish texts describe the period right after death as a challenging transition. Naturally, the family is devastated and doing their best to cope with their loss. However, the Talmud and Kabbalah states that the soul of the deceased is experiencing its own challenges.

The Jewish belief system states that the souls of their dead do not leave the world until after the burial. Disconnected from its former life and body, the soul is in a vulnerable state. This is why burials occur as quickly as possible. It is also believed that the presence and prayers of loved ones at the funeral is an enormous comfort to the soul.

Many of the grieving family members find comfort in their belief that the soul remains conscious and aware. It provides a consolation for them to view their loved one as going through a period of transition.

 

Decisions

Immediately following a passing, decisions must be made. This is not necessarily unique, as in all religions, the family must make arrangements.

Many common burial traditions violate Jewish custom, however. Jewish law forbids practices by modern morticians, as they are considered a violation of the body. They are viewed as disrespectful to the deceased.

The grieving families must take these restrictions into consideration when making decisions. In some cases, there are no official documents left by the departed with specific guidelines.

 

Rituals

Within the immediate moments after a death, holy rituals are conducted. A few primary factors are taken into consideration. Maintaining the dignity of the deceased is first and foremost. The body must return to the earth from which it came. The soul must receive guidance and strength throughout its spiritual journey.

Directly following the moment of death, those present recite the “True Judge” blessing, “Baruch Dayan Ha’emet.” This translates to “blessed be the true judge.” The complete version of this prayer is said during the funeral service, along with the Kaddish.

The eyes and mouth are then closed by whoever is present. A sheet is draped over the body to cover it. Many elect a child or close relative to perform this task. The body of the deceased is then placed on the floor. If death occurs in a hospital, this is most likely not possible. However, all of the other customs should be observed.

Candles are then lit and placed around the head of the body. If the body is lowered to the floor, those lowering the body should ask forgiveness of the departed. Once the candles are lit, Psalms 23, 90 and 91 are recited.

Once these Psalms have been recited, the funeral home and rabbi should be contacted. It’s important to inform the funeral home that a Taharah will be needed. Plan your memorial service accordingly.

 

The Vigil

According to the Jewish faith, the human body is a sacred vessel. The privacy, dignity and virtue of the body is under holy protection in Jewish tradition. After the passing, this body remains equally as deserving of reverence. Those near the deceased are expected to conduct themselves with grace and dignity in order to demonstrate the proper respect for the dead.

A shemira (honor guard) remains with the body as often as possible, if not constantly. Anyone keeping vigil over the body recites prayers or psalms to comfort to the soul of the departed.

 

Restrictions & Ritual

Autopsies, embalming, displays and cremation are considered a violation of the body.

The burial happens as soon as possible. Since Jewish custom forbids posthumous medical practices to preserve the body’s sanctity, the funeral must take place immediately.

 

Conclusion

Judaism is a faith rich with stories and tradition. The specific rituals following death have deep significance to the faithful. Like many of the other Jewish death traditions, it helps to bring closure and consolation to the family in mourning.

Fox Monuments works with Long Island’s Jewish community, providing them with memorials that are a tribute to their faith. We understand the importance of religion in healing from loss.