Jewish funeral

Earth burial is the traditional form of burial in Judaism. Where possible, the person is buried on the day of death or the following day, because Jewish belief holds that only then can the soul leave the body. Relatives and friends generally take turns keeping vigil so that the person who has died is not left alone before burial.

When death occurs, relatives or friends also recite the declaration of faith, Shema Yisrael, and then close the person’s mouth and eyes. In a dedicated room or small building, men and women from the “Holy Brotherhood and Sisterhood” wash the body in accordance with Jewish custom and dress it in a white linen garment. This room is known as the Tahara house. Washing and dressing someone who has died is a mitzvah from the Torah. It is called the “true service of loving kindness” because no favour can be returned for it. In Hebrew, the service is known as “Chessed schel Emet”. The funeral ceremony traditionally begins with a service at the cemetery, where there is a dedicated farewell room. After an opening chant by the cantor, a rabbi delivers a eulogy. Other people often speak as well. Prayers and psalms are recited in Hebrew, while an obituary honouring the life and achievements of the person who has died is read in the local language. Tearing a garment, known as the K´riah, is a traditional custom in which the closest relatives tear an item of clothing as a symbol of the rupture that loss and pain have caused in the soul. Our experienced partners plan and conduct a traditional Jewish funeral. Please contact us for further information.