After-Death Rites in Judaism

Among the Jewish faith, although the loss of a loved one is tragic and sad, death is considered to be a natural process. The mourning is meant to show respect for the person who has died and to provide comfort to the ones who remain behind. 

When a person of Jewish faith dies, the customs of the faith must be followed, barring exceptional circumstances. 

After confirmation of death

Once a death has been confirmed, the body of the deceased person should never be left alone and prayers are said for the soul. Candles may be lit around the body. An important tenet of the Jewish faith is the Kavod Ha-Met, or Honoring the Dead. The body must always be treated with respect from the time the death has been confirmed to the time it has been buried. The person who remains with the body cannot do anything, such as eat, in the room, because this would be considered disrespectful to the deceased. Candles are lit and, if possible, windows are opened. 

Preparation and burial

The body will be cleansed and wrapped in a modest shroud, called a tachrichim, to symbolize that all are equal, regardless of their stature on earth. Women are washed by women, men by men. Men are buried with their prayer shawls (tallits), that have had the corner snipped off. In some families, tallits are kept to pass on to future generations, so a tallit for burial is then used. Usually, autopsies are not performed, as part of keeping the body whole, however, autopsies may be done if a life may be saved as a result or if it is required by law. The body should be as close to its natural state as possible, which is why embalming is not done and the bodies are buried within 24 hours of death. In the past, the immediate family would tear their clothing to symbolize their grief. Today, the tearing of the keriah, or a black piece of cloth is performed just before the casket is closed. This is done by an older man. 

Mourning

As the coffin is lowered into the ground, the Mourner’s Kaddish is said at the side of the grave. Once the funeral is over, Shiva begins. For seven days, including the day of burial, family and friends reflect on their loved one and mourn the loss. Immediate family may not go to work nor participate in what may seem as work, even for daily activities. Since they may not cook, other family members, friends, and members of the community provide care by bringing meals. Mirrors in the house are covered and luxurious items are forbidden, to avoid any signs of vanity. In keeping with Jewish tradition, candles lit for religious purposes are not extinguished, but are left to burn out on their own. 

The next 30 days are a continuation of mourning, but at a less intense level. The immediate family members may go back to work, bathe, clean, cook, etc., but they do not entertain nor participate in entertainments, such as going to movies, out to dinner, and so on. 

The next 11 months make up the full year of mourning. This year-long period is ends with a ceremony at the graveside, called the unveiling. A newly erected headstone that was previously covered with a muslin cloth is now uncovered and prayers are said. Every year thereafter, a yarhzeit candle, is lit on the anniversary of the loved one’s death. It burns for a bit longer than 24 hours, burning out naturally. .