Jewish Funeral

silentstriker · 05-01-2007, 12:15 PM

I am attending a Jewish funeral this weekend, and its my first Jewish one. I am not sure of the proper etiquette during the funeral (do I bring anything, what do I do, etc). Anyone with experience want to enlighten me? I'll obviously be wearing a black suit with a white shirt and black tie.

Turbinator · 05-01-2007, 12:19 PM

Tahara-the traditional preparation.

The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity. Performed by trained members of the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society). Men prepare men while women prepare women in accordance with Jewish traditional law. Embalming, cosmetizing or any other artificial preparation of the remains is not permitted by Jewish law.

Tachrichim-the burial shroud.

A full set of tradtional white clothing, preferably made of linen, includes: hat, shirt, pants, jacket, belt, and wrapping sheet. This symbolizes equality and purity.

Shmira-the watching of the remains.

To show respect to the departed, never leaving the deceased alone until after burial.. Psalms are traditionally recited by the Shomer (Watcher).

Aron-the burial casket.

The wooden casket in keeping with the Biblical teaching "For dust art thou and to the dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19)

Kvurah B'karka-the burial in the ground.

The actual burial must be in the ground, filling the grave completely until a mound is formed. To participate in filling the grave is a religious privilege and duty and is an expression of honor for the deceased. Cremation is unquestionably an abhorrent violation of Jewish law and cremains are not permitted burial in a Jewish cemetery according to Halacha. Even the will of the deceased is ignored and the will of G-d takes precedence. Mausoleums and above-ground burial are forbidden by tradition and Halachic law. The Biblical mandate for burial requires burial in the ground.

Some general rules to follow:

Seek education and learn about the beauty and the meaning of traditional Jewish burial practices.
Call a Rabbi first to assist you and to guide the funeral arrangements you make.
Interment should not be unneccessarily delayed.
Ostentation should be avoided.
The dress and behavior of family and friends should reflect the dignity and solemnity of the occasion.
Visiting with and viewing of the remains are contrary to Jewish Law.
Flowers and music have no place at the Jewish funeral service.

Matteh · 05-01-2007, 12:22 PM

I think it's time for Gelman to shine.

marc71178 · 05-01-2007, 05:02 PM

Don't start up a sing song of "always look on the bright side of life"

FaaipDeOiad · 05-01-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbinator

Tahara-the traditional preparation.

The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity. Performed by trained members of the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society). Men prepare men while women prepare women in accordance with Jewish traditional law. Embalming, cosmetizing or any other artificial preparation of the remains is not permitted by Jewish law.

Wouldn't that mean that Jewish people have to be cremated, by law? I thought you had to embalm a body if you wanted to bury it. Maybe it's just if you want to bury it after a certain number of days or something.

By the way, I'm not sure that post really answered the original question. I think he's just attending the funeral, rather than organising it.

James90 · 05-01-2007, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matteh

I think it's time for Gelman to shine.

Gelman's off doing sabbath. He'll return some time tonight.

Turbinator · 05-01-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaaipDeOiad

Wouldn't that mean that Jewish people have to be cremated, by law? I thought you had to embalm a body if you wanted to bury it. Maybe it's just if you want to bury it after a certain number of days or something.

By the way, I'm not sure that post really answered the original question. I think he's just attending the funeral, rather than organising it.

Well he did say "I am not sure of the proper etiquette during the funeral (do I bring anything, what do I do, etc)."

Anyways, there is a little bit of extra information in there too that might help, and worst comes to worst, atleast he'll know what to expect.

Turbinator · 05-01-2007, 06:44 PM

Also, SS just try not to be pessimist and refrain from comments like "Why cry, he had to die sometime".

Nnanden · 05-01-2007, 07:16 PM

nightprowler10 · 05-01-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silentstriker

I am not sure of the proper etiquette during the funeral (do I bring anything, what do I do, etc).

Just don't preach to anyone about McGrath and you'll be fine.

pasag · 06-01-2007, 04:02 AM

Haha, so much pressure here. Get me on msn next time you're on.

Slow Love™ · 06-01-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbinator

Also, SS just try not to be pessimist and refrain from comments like "Why cry, he had to die sometime".

LOL. I can see someone doing that at a Jewish funeral.

Son Of Coco · 06-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightprowler10

Just don't preach to anyone about McGrath and you'll be fine.

Yes, don't get up announce that you'll be reading from the book of Glenn as quoted to Sarwan.

PhoenixFire · 07-01-2007, 08:46 AM

No trying to convert people to join your church either.........

silentstriker · 07-01-2007, 03:25 PM

Thanks Gelman for the help. The rest of you, dieinafire.

05-01-2007, 05:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
marc71178 Eyes not spreadsheets Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: England Posts: 56,346	Don't start up a sing song of "always look on the bright side of life" __________________ marc71178 - President and founding member of AAAS - we don't only appreciate when he does well, but also when he's not quite so good! Anyone want to join the Society? Beware the evils of Kit-Kats - they're immoral apparently.

05-01-2007, 07:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
Nnanden You'll Never Walk Alone Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New South Wales Posts: 26,186	__________________ Jesus saves proudly supporting Liverpool FC

06-01-2007, 04:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
pasag RTDAS Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Looking for milksteak Posts: 31,679	Haha, so much pressure here. Get me on msn next time you're on. __________________ Rest In Peace Craigos 2003-2012

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
sept 11	Kimbo	Off Topic	71	15-09-2002 07:10 PM

05-01-2007, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Turbinator International Captain Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,492	Tahara-the traditional preparation. The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity. Performed by trained members of the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society). Men prepare men while women prepare women in accordance with Jewish traditional law. Embalming, cosmetizing or any other artificial preparation of the remains is not permitted by Jewish law. Tachrichim-the burial shroud. A full set of tradtional white clothing, preferably made of linen, includes: hat, shirt, pants, jacket, belt, and wrapping sheet. This symbolizes equality and purity. Shmira-the watching of the remains. To show respect to the departed, never leaving the deceased alone until after burial.. Psalms are traditionally recited by the Shomer (Watcher). Aron-the burial casket. The wooden casket in keeping with the Biblical teaching "For dust art thou and to the dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19) Kvurah B'karka-the burial in the ground. The actual burial must be in the ground, filling the grave completely until a mound is formed. To participate in filling the grave is a religious privilege and duty and is an expression of honor for the deceased. Cremation is unquestionably an abhorrent violation of Jewish law and cremains are not permitted burial in a Jewish cemetery according to Halacha. Even the will of the deceased is ignored and the will of G-d takes precedence. Mausoleums and above-ground burial are forbidden by tradition and Halachic law. The Biblical mandate for burial requires burial in the ground. Some general rules to follow: Seek education and learn about the beauty and the meaning of traditional Jewish burial practices. Call a Rabbi first to assist you and to guide the funeral arrangements you make. Interment should not be unneccessarily delayed. Ostentation should be avoided. The dress and behavior of family and friends should reflect the dignity and solemnity of the occasion. Visiting with and viewing of the remains are contrary to Jewish Law. Flowers and music have no place at the Jewish funeral service.

05-01-2007, 06:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
Turbinator International Captain Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,492	Also, SS just try not to be pessimist and refrain from comments like "Why cry, he had to die sometime".

07-01-2007, 03:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
silentstriker The Wheel is Forever Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA Posts: 36,528	Thanks Gelman for the help. The rest of you, dieinafire.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)