What can I expect when attending a Jewish funeral service?
Here are some things you can typically expect when attending a Jewish funeral service:
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Service: A Jewish funeral service is typically held at a synagogue or a funeral home and is led by a rabbi. The service may include prayers, hymns, and eulogies (speeches or writings that celebrate the life and achievements of the deceased).
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Burial: Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of burial and generally does not permit cremation. The funeral service is usually followed by a procession to the cemetery, where the body of the deceased will be interred. A graveside service may be held at this time, which may include the recitation of prayers and the blessing of the grave.
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Shiva: After the burial, the family of the deceased typically observes a period of mourning known as shiva. This typically involves sitting shiva, during which the family remains at home and receives visitors who come to offer condolences. The family may also observe shiva by attending synagogue services and saying additional prayers.
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Kaddish: The kaddish is a prayer that is traditionally recited by mourners during the shiva period and on certain other occasions during the year of mourning. The kaddish is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God, and is not specifically about death or the deceased.
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Reception: It is common for the family to host a reception after the burial, either at the synagogue or at a separate location. This is an opportunity for mourners to gather and share memories and support with each other.
It is important to keep in mind that funeral customs and practices can vary within the Jewish tradition and may be influenced by the specific denomination, geographic region, and personal preferences of the deceased and their family.