Jewish funeral practices are steeped in tradition and cultural significance. Below, we define some of the most important terms associated with Jewish funerals, helping you better understand the customs and their meanings.
Aron
A plain wooden coffin, often made without nails or metal. The simplicity reflects the Jewish values of humility and the belief that all are equal in death.
Burial (Kevurah)
The act of burial itself, considered one of the most important mitzvot (good deeds) in Jewish tradition. It fulfills the commandment to return the body to the earth, aligning with the belief in honoring the deceased and respecting the cycle of life.
Chevra Kadisha
A sacred burial society tasked with ensuring the body of the deceased is prepared according to Jewish law and tradition. This group performs the tahara and often coordinates burial arrangements, showing care and dignity for the deceased.
El Maleh Rachamim
A memorial prayer recited during Jewish funeral services. It asks for God’s compassion and the eternal rest of the soul of the deceased. This prayer is deeply emotional and is often sung or chanted in a solemn tone.
Gemilut Chasadim
Acts of loving-kindness, such as participating in the funeral, comforting mourners, or contributing to burial costs. These deeds are considered among the highest forms of mitzvot since they cannot be repaid by the deceased.
Hesped
A eulogy given during the funeral to honor the life and character of the deceased. The hesped reflects on their contributions, virtues, and the loss felt by the community, often providing comfort to those in mourning.
Kaddish
A prayer recited in honor of the deceased, emphasizing the greatness of God rather than death or mourning. The Mourner’s Kaddish is traditionally recited daily during shiva and on the anniversary of the loved one’s passing.
Keriah
The act of tearing one’s garment or wearing a torn ribbon as a sign of mourning. This ritual is performed by immediate family members before the funeral begins and symbolizes the deep emotional pain of loss.
Kevurah
See Burial
Kever Avot
The custom of visiting the graves of loved ones, typically around the High Holidays or a yahrzeit. It is a time to remember and honor the deceased by reciting prayers or leaving small stones on the grave as a sign of respect.
Levaya
The funeral procession or burial ceremony. The term means “accompaniment” and refers to the act of accompanying the deceased to their final resting place.
Matzevah
The headstone or monument placed on the grave. The unveiling of the matzevah, called the unveiling ceremony, typically occurs about one year after burial.
Nichum Avelim
The mitzvah of comforting mourners, usually fulfilled by visiting those sitting shiva. Offering words of comfort and simply being present are central to this practice, which strengthens the community during a time of loss.
Onen
A mourner during the period between the death of a loved one and the burial. The onen is exempt from religious obligations to focus entirely on funeral arrangements, reflecting the urgency and respect given to the burial process.
Seudat Havra’ah
The “meal of consolation” served to the mourners after the funeral. It traditionally includes foods such as hard-boiled eggs and lentils, symbolizing the cycle of life and the mourners’ transition back to the living community.
Shiva
A seven-day mourning period observed by the immediate family of the deceased. During shiva, family members often gather at a single location to receive visitors and recite prayers, such as the Mourner’s Kaddish. Mirrors are typically covered, and mourners may sit on low stools to symbolize their grief.
Shomer
A guardian who watches over the body from the time of death until burial, reciting Psalms or prayers. This practice is based on the belief in showing continuous respect for the deceased and ensuring the body is never left alone.
Shroud (Tachrichim)
A simple white garment in which the deceased is dressed for burial. The shroud represents purity and equality in death.
Tachrichim (Shroud)
See Shroud
Tahara
The ritual purification of the deceased’s body, performed by a group known as the Chevra Kadisha. This involves washing the body, dressing it in simple white shrouds, and ensuring it is treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Tehillim
Psalms recited during the funeral and by the shomer while guarding the body. These prayers provide comfort and spiritual elevation, emphasizing the sanctity of life and death.
Tzedakah
The act of giving charity, often done in memory of the deceased. Tzedakah is considered a mitzvah and an important way to honor someone who has passed away, continuing their legacy of kindness.
Unveiling
A ceremony that takes place approximately one year after the burial, during which the headstone is formally revealed. The event is a time for family and friends to gather and remember the deceased, often including prayers and personal reflections.
Yahrzeit
The anniversary of a loved one’s passing, observed each year according to the Hebrew calendar. On this day, it is customary to light a memorial candle and recite the Mourner’s Kaddish.
Yizkor
A memorial prayer recited on certain Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur and Passover. It is said in memory of deceased loved ones and includes a pledge to give tzedakah.
