Jewish Burial and Mourning Practices

Why Jews Put Stones on Graves

Although the custom of placing them on a grave probably draws upon pagan customs, the stones also symbolize the permanence of memory.

The Kaddish responds to three questions: Is there a God? Why do people die? What is the meaning of life?

Study in honor of dead; women reciting Kaddish; Kaddish integrating mourners into communities; and hiring someone to say Kaddish.

Shoveling dirt onto the coffin is the family's final ritual act of honoring the dead.

A Jewish funeral is held as quickly as possible after death and usually includes readings, a eulogy, and a special memorial prayer.

What happens at the Jewish cemetery.

At death, several gestures indicate respect for the deceased as well as acceptance of the reality of death.

Common questions about Jewish death and burial customs.

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

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