Skip to main content

5 Things to Know About Jewish Loss

Jewish cemetery monument

The ways in which a Jew observes and celebrates Judaism are many. There is a variety of observation levels on Long Island.

At Fox Monuments, we can assist you with every detail. Whether you are Orthodox, Conservative, or Reformed, we have the perfect monument for your loved one. The sages once said that to be a Jew is to be Jewish enough. No matter how you observe, let us help you.
 

What You Need To Know

Whether you are Jewish or not, having lost a loved one or wanting to support those in mourning is a noble act. Surprisingly, it can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with certain traditions or procedures.
 

1) Important Terms and Phrases

  • Alav Hashalom– “Peace be Upon Him/Her” Also written as A”H. This is the Jewish version of saying rest in peace.
  • Aninut- “Deep Sorrow”. This refers to a time period. It is the time in which the loved one learned of the death to the burial.
  • Baruch Dayan HaEmet- “ Blessed is the True Judge”. Words offered to the grieving immediate relative. These words are expressed traditionally as the relative tears the black piece of fabric they will wear on their clothes during Shiva.
  • Keriah “Tearing”. The immediate family performs this custom.  It is a small garment worn for 30 days after the burial. Siblings and spouses wear the Kriah on the right side whereas children wear it on the left.
  • Nihum Avelim- “Comfort the Living”. This is the act of consoling the mourners. This is one of the noblest acts a person can perform. Those who nihum avelim are amongst the those who possess chesed (grace, benevolence, kindness).
  • Zikhrono Livrahka– “May Their Memory Be a Blessing” – Also written as z”l. These words are meant to provide comfort. They reassure that the deceased will not be forgotten. The responsibility of carrying on the memory and stories of the one passed loved one now lies on the family and friends. Offered to bring comfort.

 

2) Ways to Honor the Deceased

  1. One of the most impactful ways to honor a deceased Jew is to ensure they receive a proper Jewish burial.
  2. Ensure that a Minyan is present at the burial services.
  3. Give tzedakah in honor of the deceased. Undoubtedly is a continuation of honor towards them.
  4. Visit the gravesite. Place a stone or pebble on the grave marker. Thus this shows loved ones that someone was there to honor the deceased.
  5. Upkeep of the gravesite. Make sure that the burial plot doesn’t become overrun with weeds.
  6. Name a new baby in honor of the deceased. The baby’s name can start with the first letter of the deceased’s name. The Hebrew name given to the baby may also reflect the deceased.

 

3) Differences in Ritual

There are three different observation levels in Judaism. There is reform, conservative and orthodox. Depending on where you are in the country or the world, there are different sects of Judaism within those denominations as well. Jewish people are free to observe in a way that serves them. There are a variety of different congregations, each honoring traditions and Halacha (Jewish Law) in their own ways.

Reform Judaism is the most recent denomination to come about. Their practices and observation will show this. They are less observant of Halacha than other sects. Orthodox Judaism observes Halacha strictly. Comparatively, conservative Jews are in between.
 

4) The Casket

Known as the Aron in Hebrew. There are no fancy caskets or casket shopping in Judaism. A traditional Jewish casket must meet certain criteria per Halacha. Pure pine wood is used to make the box. The casket has no metal on it. Some caskets may even have holes drilled in the bottom. This is to help aid in decomposition and allow the body to return to the earth.  Reformed Jews may not follow Halacha strictly. This doesn’t mean that the cemetery doesn’t have certain requirements for the Aron.
 

5) Covering Mirrors During Shiva

If you’ve ever paid a Shiva call, there may have been things in the home that wasn’t very familiar to you. There were no flowers. Instead, there were massive amounts of food and sweets being delivered. Lastly, all of the mirrors were covered. Death represents the literal juxtaposition between man and God. Humans are not invincible. Along with humanly traits comes ego. When looking in a mirror, the ego is very present. In order to take all the focus off of self, the mirrors are covered. In this way, the mourner is able to be present at the moment. All the focus is on the deceased.
 

We Can Help Navigate the Unknown

At Fox, we take the time to aid you in every decision. If you’re looking for the best place to get your Jewish monument on Long Island, look no further. From start to finish, our staff is with you to lend a listening ear and a compassionate suggestion. Whether picking the Hebrew inscription or setting the stone, let Fox monuments help you.

The Unveiling Ceremony for Jewish Headstones and Memorials

jewish monument with stones on top

Some time has passed, your mind has had a bit of time to settle. You’re still grieving though. At Fox Monuments, we understand there is no time frame for grief. That’s why it’s important to us to help Long Islanders navigate every step of this process.

During the funeral and burial process, traditions are of the utmost importance in the Jewish faith. In this post, we’ll delve into the details of the Unveiling Ceremony, and the significance it holds for Jewish people.

When Does the Unveiling Ceremony Take Place?

The unveiling ceremony after the passing of a loved one traditionally occurs within the first year. Dictated by Jewish funeral traditions, the unveiling ceremony generally takes place at the end of the grieving process. According to Halacha (Jewish Law), the unveiling of the stone can occur between the end of Shiva and the Yahrzeit (year remembrance date). This time signifies final acceptance and being at peace with the passing of a loved one.

In modern times, it is also common for the unveiling ceremony to take place 30 days after the burial. With this timing, the unveiling ceremony takes place at the conclusion of the Shloshim, rather than the Yahrzeit. Work and/or school become priorities again after Shloshim. They are encouraged not to engage in leisurely activities.

The times are a little more flexible depending on your level of observation. Because the unveiling ceremony is more of a tradition, and less of a religious requirement, there is more flexibility than with other customs.

gray granite headstone with Jewish star in Long Island cemetery

Who is Invited to the Unveiling Ceremony?

The very nature of the ceremonious unveiling is intimate. However, as this is an ode to your loved one, you are free to choose the guests. Many times, the immediate, some extended family, and close friends are present. Comparatively to a funeral or Shiva call, there is no public announcement for an unveiling. A Rabbi can officiate the ceremony, but this is not necessary. Again, it all depends on the family’s level of observation.

How It Works

The beauty of Judaism is that there is room for interpretation. You can find a Rabbi and a congregation that celebrates and observes Judaism the way that suits you. Therefore, the order and actual events of the unveiling are up to you. Traditionally speaking though, the ceremony is usually short in time.

The immediate family of the deceased individual should arrive at the Jewish monument before anyone else. This allows them to greet others and thank them for attending. Before others arrive, though, it’s important for the immediate family to ensure that the cloth is adequately covering the gravestone.

Everyone gathers around the covered monument. The Rabbi in attendance will deliver selected readings from the book of Psalms, and lead those gathered in reciting prayers. Depending on the circumstances, the Rabbi or a family member will give a eulogy, commemorating the deceased. After the eulogy, those gathered will recite the traditional Memorial Prayer and the Kaddish. A Minyan (presence of 10 Jewish adults) is required to recite the Kaddish. This signifies the power of unity. If a Minyan is not present, the Kaddish will be skipped. Finally, the family will remove the monument covering. Additionally, if a Rabbi is not present, a member of the family can lead the ceremony.

What is the Significance of the Unveiling Ceremony?

jewish headstone with stones

The significance of the unveiling ceremony stems from a time when elaborate gravestones were uncommon. Before it became customary for families to assign this work to a professional, the families often built these headstones independently. These memorials ranged from stones with engraved names to more elaborate hand-decorated headstones. After working so hard to create a fitting monument, the unveiling ceremony displayed this commemorative stone to the world.

In the present day, Jewish families continue to carry out unveiling ceremonies in the same fashion.

Whether timely or unexpected, death can shake us all to our very core. The dedication of the stone that takes place at the unveiling serves a hefty purpose. By unveiling the head or footstone, we are marking and acknowledging the final resting place of our loved ones. When the grief begins to subside or we find ourselves overwhelmed, the final resting place can bring us peace.

Fox Monuments Can Help

At Fox Monuments, we understand the significance of funeral traditions. Our staff is committed to designing breathtaking monuments. These memorials will commemorate deceased individuals for a lifetime. Contact us for more information about how we can create a stunning monument for your loved one.

3 Quick Tips for Writing An Obituary

man and woman grieving

As we all know, a loved one’s death usually leaves us with an extensive list of responsibilities to attend to. Often, the number of tasks can feel insurmountable and overwhelming. At Fox Monuments, we understand how difficult this particular moment is. Therefore, we do all in our power to make the process of acquiring a Jewish monument stress-free, painless and even rewarding. Our multi-decade work with Long Island’s Jewish community proves our enduring respect for the Jewish faith. Over the years, our craftsmen have produced countless breathtaking Jewish monuments. We work closely with families to craft headstones with inscriptions that symbolize legacies, faith and love.

Of course, one of the fundamental aspects of losing a loved one is writing an obituary for the deceased. Amidst the grief, pressure and countless obligations, it can be easy to overlook or compromise. However, this is truthfully one of the variables in this process that deserves serious attention, focus and conscious thought. The obituary is your opportunity to inform the community, friends and family of their passing, explain what happened, share service details and honor their memory. You can have the funeral home post the obituary on their website, share it on social media platforms and  anywhere else it might be relevant. 

In this post, we’ll discuss the obituary, the writing process, list tips on how you can enhance it and what makes it so important. 

 

1. Look for Examples that You Like

Of course, for such an important document, we want to include absolutely everything that made them incredible and omit nothing at all. However, it’s definitely best to alleviate some of that pressure from your shoulders. It’s great that you want to do right by them. But it’s impossible to artfully describe absolutely every moment of their lives and every facet of their character in one brief obituary. 

A smart way to get some inspiration or guidance is to read examples of other obituaries. You can figure out how to refine your tone, see what they acknowledge and get a general sense of similarities between several different obituaries. Browse the funeral home’s website, newspapers or ask any relevant professionals for notable examples you should emulate.   

This is the best way to begin the process swiftly and with a sense of confidence. 

2. Make A List of Elements to Include

Of course, the obituary can consist of whatever you like. But there are obviously certain details that you’ll consider of tremendous importance and others you can afford to omit. Therefore, you should keep a list of anything that may come to mind spontaneously and when you least expect it. 

Also, you can ask any professionals to give you a list of the traditional things that go into obituaries. Keeping a record of these elements will help you feel a lot more confident in the final draft before you post it.

                 

3. Monitor The Length 

Again: we know that you want to honor the person you lost with this obituary. However, a colossal narrative is definitely not an ideal obituary. Basically, the central purpose is to be a brief summary of somebody’s life. Also, don’t forget that anything you put in a newspaper will have a price based on length. 

If you want to honor them with an extensive, written celebration of their life and legacy, you can save it for their eulogy. Then you can deliver it to friends and family at the burial service. Ultimately, when composing the obituary, the relevant details and a concise amount of personal comments will be perfectly sufficient. 

  

Conclusion

Our mission is to help you honor your loved ones in every way possible. Of course, our primary focus is on crafting a one-of-a-kind monument that is the perfect, enduring celebration of their life. In addition, our commitment to providing you with strength and support is an essential part of our mission, as well. We know what a difficult time this is for all who must endure it. Therefore, we’ll continue working on your behalf to alleviate some of the stress, difficulty and pain and deliver a Jewish monument worthy of your loved one.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

Selecting an Inscription for Your Loved One’s Memorial

Jewish headstone with menorah

A monument’s purpose is to memorialize your loved one, and help you remember their legacy. In doing so, family members and friends can remember it fondly, and reflect on their lives. The content of the headstone can be exceedingly profound, especially with a thoughtful format and meaningful text. In this post, we’ll discuss how you can create a Jewish headstone that best represents your loved one.

Originally published on July 24, 2018, this post has been updated for accuracy and relevancy.

1. Consider a Headstone Inscription without Rushing

The Jewish headstone can speak volumes about your loved one’s life and character. But, in order to make sure that the headstone reaches its full potential, you need to plan carefully.

Rather than rushing and ordering the Jewish headstone right away, put some thought into the headstone’s text. This is an understandably emotional process, and it will likely require deep consideration. There are likely many interests, pursuits and relationships that you would like to call attention to on the headstone. So, thinking through these various levels and deciding which information to include can be difficult.

Putting aside the benefits of these careful considerations, there is also no need to rush this process. In the Jewish funeral tradition, the Jewish headstone unveiling tradition takes place one year after burial. So, waiting is a natural step.

2. Choose Experience & Skill

A low quality inscription can squander the potential of even the most carefully articulated Jewish headstone text. And, when you’ve gone to great lengths to write this text, you want it to be beautiful. So, before moving forward in the process, be sure to examine pictures of their previous work. If the quality does not live up to your high expectations, then perhaps it’s best to look somewhere else.

An experienced Jewish headstone craftsman can make quite the difference in the end result. He or she can deliver an outstanding attention to detail to this process, and ensure that everything appears exactly as intended. At Fox Monuments, our staff maintains a commitment to creating beautiful Jewish headstones that capture the essence of your loved ones. As time goes by, and the headstone begins to deteriorate or collect dirt, we also offer headstone cleaning services.

3. Steer Clear of Generic or Cliché Wording

There are plenty of existing phrases that are applicable to your loved ones. For example, “always in our hearts” is sentimental, compelling, and often a fitting choice. Nonetheless, it is a common choice that does not always impart the same level of intimacy as a personalized phrase.

So, venturing outside of the norm may deliver a more personalized monument. Often, people draw quotes from the favorite literature, movies, or music of the deceased individual. Taking a quote from scripture is also an extremely common choice.

Regardless of your choice, having a memorial that speaks to the spirit of your loved one will be invaluable. When friends and family visit the headstone, reading this dedicated personal inscription will have a cathartic effect on friends and family.

4. Include Jewish Symbols & Imagery

Hebrew writing and Jewish memorial symbolism can provide profound meaning and context for the Jewish headstone. In a way, it can tie the entire headstone together. The Menorah is a common choice, as it carries great religious significance. This is often inscribed upon the headstones of very religious people. The Star of David is similarly popular, and represents Israel, the Torah, and the Holy One. Finally, the Torah and Tree of Life are also important symbols.

Selecting the imagery that best represents your loved one will help tell their story. As a Jewish headstone company, our artisans are familiar with the various imagery, and can skillfully inscribe it on monuments of any material.

5. Include an Epitaph

Depending on the space provided on the Jewish headstone, some people opt to include an epitaph. An epitaph is a concise quote that is inscribed upon the headstone to demonstrate the virtue of the individual. By putting this quote on the headstone, you can remind others of their values, interests, and pursuits.

Many epitaphs are inscribed with Hebrew characters, and allude to books of worship like the Torah. However, secular epitaphs are also appropriate and common for Jewish headstones. For example, “Always Loved, Forever Remembered” succinctly praises the deceased individual in an embracing way.

 Conclusion – Fox Monuments 

Making the final decision about what should be displayed on the headstone is an extremely personal process. And, it’s also one that will shape the mourning process for years to come. At Fox Monuments, our staff are experienced in guiding mourning families through this taxing and emotional process.

3 Ways to Protect Loved Ones In Crisis

grieving family

With exceptional craftsmanship and compassionate service, we do our part to guide mourning families through painful and difficult times. Of course, losing someone we love is many people’s worst nightmare. The Jewish faith exercises countless rites and customs in the face of death, with numerous teachings about enduring loss and stages of mourning. However, in some cases, faith alone isn’t enough to withstand the pain of losing someone.

Sometimes, grief causes severe, spontaneous upheaval. As a result, if we’re not mentally prepared, it can have consequences on our mental health. Some people even enter a state of crisis right after a death, which restricts their ability to handle even the most momentous tasks. In crisis, we often take life by the hour and put pressing obligations on hold. In this post, we’ll discuss three ways you can protect your loved ones in crisis and prevent any long-term consequences. 

1. Prepare In Advance 

First and foremost, protecting the interest of the people you love depends mostly on pre-planning as thoroughly as possible. In addition, this is essentially about creating the necessary documents and making the right arrangements before you’re unable to. Make sure your will, estate plan, end-of-life plans, powers of attorney, burial wishes, etc. are all in clear, coherent print on legal forms. 

If you manage to handle this, it can save your family from some significant headaches in the future. This will spare them potential legal fees, family conflicts, uncertainty about what you want and more. 

2. Organize 

Of course, none of this preparation means a thing if the necessary paperwork is lost. Make sure you organize and consolidate all of your important papers together and in a central location. Also, someone you trust wholeheartedly should always have access to the documents and know precisely where they are. 

These papers include your funeral plans, tax returns, mortgage, retirement accounts, checking and savings information, passwords, wills, powers of attorney and more. Additionally, you should always make digital records of these documents. For additional protection, you can purchase a lock box at a bank if you’re serious about optimizing security. 

3. Tell Trustworthy People 

Of course, if the right people don’t have access to these papers, it will cause serious issues when it’s too late. First, you should identify the people you love that you trust implicitly. Have a compassionate talk with them in which you explain what you did and why. In addition, make sure they know that you did it to spare them future pain. Tell them that you trust them to handle everything in accordance with your wishes and to provide strength and support.  

Obviously, it’s equally as important to give them the information they need. Tell them how to access the material, any relevant passwords, burial wishes, keys, anything. Overall, make sure you tell them that this was all done for the sake of sparing them unnecessary pain and to ensure they can mourn without fear of more pain. 

Conclusion – Fox Monuments 

Losing the people we love will never be easy. While Judaism has extraordinary insight on the topic of loss, we’ll never be immune from grief. However, these three simple measures will ensure that those you love won’t suffer any additional pain once you’re gone. Ultimately, this can be one of the most loving and considerate gestures you can make to them. 

Tzedakah: Righteous Giving

jewish monument with star of david

The Jewish faith is rich with history, tradition and specific customs. Every religion has their own, singular viewpoints on the topics of death, grieving and memorializing those who pass away. And, Judaism is no exception. As an ancient, prominent world religion, Judaism’s end-of-life and mourning practices have been passed on through countless generations. From placing stones to Shiva, millions recognize these practices all over the world.

At Fox Monuments, we’ve been serving Long Island’s Jewish community for decades. Therefore, we’ve been providing monuments which honor the lives of Jewish people while paying equal tribute to their lifelong faith. Without a doubt, one of the most noble Jewish traditions in the aftermath of one’s passing is Tzedakah, or “righteous giving.” In this post, we’ll explore Tzedakah, what it entails and how the Jewish people apply this tradition to make something good out of something painful.

Tzedakah: Righteous Giving

Jewish tradition views charity as the greatest force in the universe, stronger than death itself. Therefore, the act of giving selflessly is a means of almost counteracting someone’s death. Contributing time, money or goods to anyone in need keeps them alive, in a sense.

By contributing to charities or organizations they cared deeply for in life, they’re making their memory a tangible force in the world. In fact, many Jews view Tzedakah as a way to become the voice of the deceased on earth.

Donating Money

Of course, countless Jewish mourners make monetary donations to causes and organizations that reflect the values and beliefs of whoever they lost. Obvi­ously, someone who was a volunteer or contributor to the United Jewish Appeal or the American Cancer Society, would be honored with donations to these causes.

On the other hand, others may choose to honor a passionate, lifelong reader by supporting the synagogue library, the local public library or literacy programs. Ultimately, mourners select their donations by reflecting on the morals and ideals of those they lost.

Giving More Than Money

Obviously, when it comes to giving, Tzedakah doesn’t limit mourners to monetary donations only. In fact, many choose to honor whoever they lost by donating their time and effort to support charitable causes or community service programs. However, Tzedakah can also include much smaller gestures of kindness.

To honor someone you lost, you can volunteer for a few days or work in a soup kitchen. But also, you can do something as simple as cooking a meal for an elderly neighbor or walking their dog. Any gesture of kindness counts when it comes to Tzedakah. Ultimately, the most important thing is to give selflessly to honor whoever you lost. This is a means of preserving their memory on earth through a noble and caring act.

Conclusion – Fox Monuments

Of course, no charitable gesture is ever wasted. Tzedakah gives Jewish mourners an opportunity to create something special, kind and meaningful out of something tragic. In addition, it encourages us to honor our loved ones by doing something beneficial for those in need.

At Fox Monuments, we’ll continue to serve Long Island’s Jewish community by crafting gorgeous, enduring custom headstones that honor the Jewish faith. We’ll also continue to help uphold any and all Jewish traditions concerning funerals and mourning, from the Unveiling Ceremony to Tzedakah and more.

How To Choose The Right Jewish Headstone Company

jewish headstone with star of david

At Fox Monuments, we have been working with Long Island’s Jewish community for decades. Our mission is to help families in the memorial planning process by providing a compassionate service and memorials that honor the Jewish faith. During this tragic time, we know how difficult it can be to feel confident in your decisions or to balance all of your obligations. Therefore, we work everyday to earn the trust and gratitude of the Jewish community, and assure them that we care.  

When searching for a Jewish headstone company, it’s important to consider more than the price or location. Your loved ones deserve a beautiful, fitting monument that will honor your faith and pay tribute to your loved one. At Fox Monuments, we provide monuments in the simplest and most painless way possible. 

Find a Jewish Headstone Company That Can Accommodate You

When purchasing a monument, there are certain variables that signify a reputable and trustworthy company. You need a resourceful and dynamic provider that can accomplish just about everything.

Of course, there are many Jewish headstone companies that lack certain skills, are not geographically desirable or misrepresent their services. No matter how much you pre-plan your monument, the wrong company will execute the final product poorly. 

A Beautiful Design That Will Last the Ages

Cemetery craftsmen often lack the skills and talent that private headstone companies have in headstone creation. With a complete staff of artisans with an exquisite attention to detail, our staff can create a beautiful and elegant monument worthy of your loved one. 

For example, a high level of detail in headstone inscriptions like the Star of David wouldn’t be possible with a cemetery monument provider. Our inscriptions will appear neater, more legible, and altogether more aesthetically pleasing. We can create a monument that friends and family will appreciate for years to come when they come to visit

Understanding Regulations and Communicating With Cemeteries

At the beginning of the process, many don’t know about the numerous hyper-specific regulations that cemeteries enforce. When dealing with a cemetery, it can be difficult to understand the regulations that they place on Jewish headstones. In order for the headstone to rest in a cemetery plot, it must fit certain specifications. Because immediate burial is a Jewish tradition, having this dialogue early may be impossible. 

When dealing with a professional Jewish headstone company, you will not be inhibited by any of these restrictions. Instead, you can simply relay your wishes to us, and we’ll negotiate with the cemetery on your behalf. We consistently ensure that families can observe their funeral ceremony and burial customs with no interference from the cemetery. 

single jewish headstone special

Unveiling Ceremony

Having served the Jewish community since 1954, we understand the importance of traditions. For example, the Unveiling Ceremony, which normally takes place one year after death, is crucial to Jewish traditions. 

In modern times, though, this process does sometimes take place sooner. To help ease the stress of planning for mourning families, we supply all necessary materials, including headstone veils. The Unveiling Ceremony is a way to reunite friends and family, admire the memorial symbols and honor whoever you lost in a respectful tribute. 

Jewish Headstone Repair and Inscription Services

Beyond ordering a headstone, it’s wise to establish and maintain a relationship with a monument company. At Fox Monuments, we specialize in providing various maintenance services that can improve the appearance of a headstone. If excessive weathering causes damage to the surface, our skilled craftsmen can repair the headstone to its previous condition. 

Additionally, we can also add new inscriptions. When a spouse passes away, they may purchase a double headstone with the intention of later having their own information inscribed on it. 

Headstone Cleaning Services

After a long time, the flawless, dazzling elegance of headstones begins to fade. Grass clippings, inclement weather and dirt can all negatively impact a monument. As a result, its appearance suffers severely. And, when people apply cleaners meant for the household, it only exacerbates the problem.

Regular monument cleaning is the best way to keep this monument clean, legible and radiant. Our monument cleaners can enhance your Jewish headstone by providing a thorough cleaning and restoring its original beauty. 

Contact Us Today

At Fox Monuments, we maintain a commitment to helping all families through this difficult time. Additionally, we’ll work on your behalf to make any arrangements we can and spare you the stress of ensuring your monument meets certain specifications. Ultimately, our respect and adulation for the Jewish faith compels us to provide incomparable services that no Long Island companies can compete with. 

All About Chevra Kadisha

candle lantern with Car of David on the stone grave

Originally posted on September 5, 2019, this post has been edited for relevancy and accuracy.

As a leading Long Island provider of Jewish monuments, Fox Monuments is a staff of experts in the history and traditions of celebrating Jewish heritage. The Jewish faith is rich with history, symbols and traditions, and we pride ourselves on accommodating the needs and faith of our clients.

The mourning stages are often a confusing and stressful time. Losing a loved one is never easy. There are many practices within the Jewish faith that can help families heal and move forward. For example; the Meal of Consolation or Shiva.

Not all practices are for the aftermath of a loved one’s death. There are also traditions that are meant for the final years of one’s life. These traditions can often ease the transition between life and death.

In this post, we’ll explore the ancient tradition of the Chevra Kadisha, or “holy society.” This is an organization of men and women who attend to the bodies of deceased Jews.

 

What is the Chevra Kadisha?

A Chevra Kadisha is an organization of men and women who gather to honor the dead. Their main objectives are to ensure that anyone present treats the body with respect, protects it from desecration, and prepares it for burial according to Jewish tradition during the act of Shemira.

The Chevra Kadisha is also responsible for cleaning the body. Moreover, they ensure that they clean it according to the practice of Taharah.

Taharah means “purification” and is the name of the ancient method of cleansing the deceased. During Taharah, those present pour water first on the head. Then, they pour it over the rest of the body in a ritual purification.

After they clean the body, they dress the deceased for their burial.

A Jewish man washes his hands with water in a sink using a cup, as is Jewish ritual for breaking bread.

 

The Merits of Chevra Kadisha?

Within the Jewish faith, participating in a Chevra Kadisha is widely perceived as a noble and respectable act. Furthermore, it is a service that is devoid of any greed or ulterior motive. Those present receive no monetary gain or reward of any kind. Therefore, holy texts praise its selflessness and nobility.

Within holy Hebrew text, the Chevra Kadisha goes by “chesed shel emet,” which translates to “a good deal of truth.”

Most burial societies (especially modern ones) take additional steps to honor not only the deceased, but also their grieving loved ones. The Chevra Kadisha will assist the family by providing support during the Shiva, preparing meals, and arranging prayer services.

 

Conclusion

If you’re interested in the services of a Chevra Kadisha, consult your rabbi or synagogue for further information. At Fox Monuments, we understand the importance of providing stability, support and faith in times of confusion and disbelief.

Paying tribute to your loved one, whether with Jewish cemetery monuments, a Chevra Kadisha or Shiva, is a critical aspect of mourning and healing. After years of serving the Long Island Jewish community, we are more than happy to guide you through this process, choose an honorable inscription and ease the burden of your loss.

We are always here to help.

Chiune Sugihara – The “Japanese Schindler”

At Fox Monuments, serving Long Island’s Jewish community is a privilege we engage with solemn, consistent respect. Of course, Judaism is a faith rich in history, customs, traditions and cultural significance. There have been numerous defining chapters throughout Jewish history, some triumphant and some tragic. Within the vast history of Judaism, few events are as defining or horrific as those which took place during World War II.

Of course, World War II still casts an ominous shadow seventy-five years later. These were the years of the Holocaust. Somehow, Adolf Hitler managed to whip Germany into a frenzy of rage and blame the nation’s social and economic ills on the Jewish people. Thus began one of the most chilling, tragic and unbelievable atrocities in history. Hitler and the Nazi Party organized the systematic murder of more than six million Jewish people.

Who was Oskar Schindler

Many historians and film enthusiasts know the story of Oskar Schindler. Schindler was a WWII-era Czechoslovakian industrialist, war profiteer and member of the Nazi party. He’s a notable historical figure that many continue to celebrate because he managed to save many Jews from death camps after enlisting them for work in his factory.

Originally, Schindler acted purely out of self-interest. However, eventually he realized that giving Jews factory work was essentially saving their lives. Then, he eagerly hired as many of them as possible, most of whom were unqualified, like rabbis, and couldn’t contribute to the work force. Ultimately, Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews – who collectively gave birth to over 10,000 descendants.

What is Schindler’s List

Oskar Schindler’s story is known around the globe mostly because of the 1993 Steven Spielberg movie Schindler’s List. The film was a monumental success and instantly hailed as a masterpiece upon release, starring Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler.

Schindler’s List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture. Both critics and audiences consider Schindler’s List to be among the greatest movies in history. Countless Jews visit Schindler’s grave to this day to place stones on his grave.

Chiune Sugihara – The “Japanese Schindler”

Of course, nobody could possibly diminish the heroic achievements of Oskar Schindler. However, it turns out that another historical figure shares some very distinctive parallels with him. Chiune Sugihara, otherwise known as the “Japanese Schindler,” is receiving modern acknowledgement for his war time contributions to the Jewish people, as well.

During World War II, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact along with Germany and Italy. Basically, this made Japan (as a nation) sympathetic to the Nazi cause and hostile towards the Jewish people. However, Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat serving as vice-consul for the Japanese empire in Lithuania, put his (and his family’s) safety at extraordinary risk by helping several thousand Jews escape to freedom.

Basically, he would issue transit visas to Jewish refugees so they could safely travel through Japanese territories. Most of the refugees were fleeing Poland, Lithuania and other Nazi-occupied countries.

Of course, if Sugihara were caught, the consequences would have been horrifying. Undoubtedly, he and his family would have been subjected to violent, brutal punishments at the very least. The State of Israel honors Sugihara with the title of Righteous Among the Nations. This title describes non-Jews responsible for brave and heroic acts during the Holocaust. Historians estimate that at least 100,000 people are alive today because of Sugihara’s efforts.

Conclusion – Fox Monuments

At Fox Monuments, we have nothing but eternal respect for the history and trials of Jewish people throughout history. We do our part to serve Long Island’s Jewish community with custom, enduring monuments that honor faith and Jewish legacies. And we’ll continue to provide the same guidance, strength, support and wisdom that pays respect to your faith for several years to come.

A Guide to Creating New Mourning Rituals

Woman and child standing by grave

At Fox Monuments, crafting memorials that reflect legacies and honor faith is our contribution to Long Island’s Jewish community. Judaism is a faith rich with countless customs and traditions. Of course, there are numerous customs and traditions surrounding death and healing from it. Unfortunately, within the previous year honoring each of these traditions has been difficult. And with so many lives lost from COVID-19, it’s been doubly difficult for so many families.

However, with these restrictions came a certain amount of innovation. Obviously, we couldn’t gather in large numbers or visit many public spaces. Therefore, traditional rituals weren’t an option. As a result, countless families developed their own, personal mourning rituals to honor their loved ones. In this post, we’ll explore a guide to creating new mourning rituals that can provide closure and feel like a respectable tribute to those we’ve lost.

What Is a Ritual?

Obviously, this is the best place to start. Admittedly, this may seem like a pointless question to ask. However, knowing what you should strive towards is a great way to understand what to do. When it comes to saying a final goodbye, you can never put forth too much effort.

Rituals are actions done in significant ways that represent an ideal that’s much more than the act itself. Actions that symbolize ideas, thoughts, beliefs or metaphysical notions are legitimate rituals. Basically, they give a meaning to our actions. Also, they give us the feeling that we’re connected with something greater than ourselves.

Often, we perform rituals in an effort to obtain peace, clarity, meaning or to feel grounded. Sometimes, we perform rituals to connect to family or a specific individual, or culture, society, our ancestors or even ourselves.

Creating Your Own Ritual

We may create rituals for a number of reasons. But in this case, the goal is to create a ritual that allows you to process grief in a constructive, healthy way. Many decide to perform them on a birthday or anniversary significant to someone they’ve lost. On the other hand, some express grief in subtle, quieter rituals every day or week.

Of course, a mourning ritual should, in some way, reflect whoever you lost. Basically, this means you should include a symbol or memento with significance to them. Just like a headstone inscription, this will encourage the notion that you’re honoring them.

If you have any concerns about a ritual potentially violating your faith, consult your rabbi. However, typical mourning rituals have no blasphemous value and are simply a more personal means of saying goodbye to a loved one. In addition, they provide closure during a time when we can’t observe many normal traditions like Shiva.

Examples of Mourning Rituals

  • Light a candle in their honor, perhaps on a certain date like Hanukkah. For example, a common ritual is to light candles at dinnertime to signify past meals shared.
  • Create a scrapbook and actively work towards filling it with photos and mementos symbolizing their life.
  • Recite poetry, important readings or song lyrics.
  • Listen to their favorite songs regularly or create a mix of their favorite musicians.
  • Watch their favorite movie or TV show.
  • Plant a tree or flowers in their memory.
  • Make a donation to their favorite charity in their name/memory.
  • Create a work of art symbolic of their life.

Ultimately, there are no rules or restrictions when it comes to an effective mourning ritual. Of course, you know precisely what kind of actions will properly honor your loved one. It can be as simple or extravagant as you like, whatever feels most appropriate. Basically, if it feels like a legitimate way to honor them, then it most likely is. Do whatever feels right.

Conclusion – Fox Monuments

Without a doubt, the previous year was full of unique challenges and difficult circumstances. As a result, countless families were unable to honor lost loved ones in traditional ways. But with adversity comes innovation, and mourning rituals are an exceptional way to help us heal from the pain of loss.

At Fox Monuments, we’ll continue to support Long Island’s Jewish community throughout any future challenges. In addition, we’ll also keep creating memorials that are beautiful reflections of Jewish lives and legacies.