Jewish Bereavement

Questions and Answers About Jewish Funerals

Common questions about Jewish death and burial customs.

The Graveside Service

Mourners, friends, and relatives accompany the deceased to the grave and help with the burial.

How to Give a Jewish Eulogy (Hesped)

This speech honoring the deceased is an important ancient Jewish custom.

The Casket, or Aron

The rabbis mandated a simple wooden coffin to equalize people in death and to enable the return to dust.

Chevra Kadisha, or Jewish Burial Society

The chevra kadisha is a group of committed Jews who prepare the body for burial.

Tahara, Preparing the Body for Burial

A Jewish ritual cleansing of the deceased fulfills the verse from Ecclesiastes 5:14, "As we come forth, so we shall return."

Yahrzeit: Remembering on the Anniversary of a Death

Lighting candles and saying Kaddish each year in memory of a loved one.

Why Parents Are the Only Loved Ones Traditionally Mourned a Full Year

Rites for mothers and fathers are more demanding than those for other relatives, even siblings, spouses and children.

Sheloshim: The First 30 Days of Mourning

Following shiva, the sheloshim period of less intensive mourning lasts until the 30th day after the funeral.

How to Make a Shiva Call

Because a shiva call requires total sensitivity to the needs of the mourner, the tradition mandates appropriate behaviors for the visitor.