Jewish Funeral Rites (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What happens at a Jewish funeral ceremony?

• The rituals followed at death depend on the individuals and the tradition of Judaism they follow

• There are a number of important rituals around death in Judaism

  • As soon as a Jew hears of the death of a loved one, they make a tear in their clothing to show their grief

    • This action is called kriah, and it is a symbol of loss

  • Upon death, the body is washed and prepared for burial

  • In the days before the funeral, the body is not left alone

  • The Kaddish is a prayer for those who mourn that declares G-d’s greatness and is often accompanied by the lighting of candles

    • The prayer is traditionally said by the closest male relative to the person who has died on the day of their death

    • Many Jews feel that the act of saying this prayer helps people to focus on G-d at a time when they may not feel close to him

• The funeral service includes prayers, psalms and a eulogy

  • Blessings are given, and a memorial prayer is said

• Some Orthodox Jews walk around the coffin seven times and pray for the Angel of Mercy to accompany the coffin

• The tombstone is to be erected before the end of the first year after death; this ceremony is called “The Unveiling”

• Stones, not flowers, are left by visitors to the grave

  • This may date back to Abraham marking the spot of Sarah’s grave with a pebble

• A Yahrzeit ceremony is held each year to mark the death of a loved one, which involves prayers being said and a candle burning for 24 hours

• Often, people will fast and make charitable donations to mark the anniversary of their loved one’s death

What are the three stages of mourning in Judaism?

• In Judaism, mourning the loss of a loved one is a structured and spiritual process, designed to honour the dead and support the living

• The process has three main stages

Stage one: Shiva

• The first week after the funeral is known as shiva (meaning seven)

• During this week, the mourners will stay in their homes

  • Male mourners will recite the Kaddish

  • Some mourners will sit on low stools during shiva; however, on Shabbat, no mourning takes place

  • During mourning, Jews cover mirrors, and music cannot be played

  • A candle is kept burning day and night to represent the dead person’s soul

Stage two: Shloshim

• Shloshim is the next stage, which takes place during days 8 to 30 after the burial 

• Mourners return to work/school but avoid entertainment and celebrations

• This period is less intense than shiva but still a mourning period

• Some customs, such as avoiding shaving or cutting hair, continue during this time

• The purpose of this period is a gradual reintroduction to daily life while still remembering the loved one

Stage three: Avelut

• The final stage is called avelut, which takes place for those who have lost parents, and continues for up to 12 months from the date of death

  • During this time, mourners continue to recite the Kaddish (mourner’s prayer) daily

  • Jews also avoid celebrations and parties for the full year

  • The purpose of this is to recognise the unique depth of grief when losing a parent

Who are the Chevra Kadisha, and what do they do?

• Chevra Kadisha means “sacred society”; they are a group of people who prepare the body for burial 

• This is a voluntary group that has members worldwide, performing the final rites for Jewish people

• Their job is to ensure that Jewish burial customs are carried out with dignity and respect

• They work with funeral directors, cemeteries, hospitals and families to ensure that the person’s death and burial fit with Jewish teachings and customs

• Their work often starts with visits to a dying person

• After the person dies, they continue to be involved in the burial and the mourning that follows. The group will:

  • Prepare the body for burial (taharah)

  • Perform a ritual washing and dressing of the deceased

  • Dress the body in simple white shrouds to symbolise purity and equality in death

  • Make sure the burial happens as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours)

  • Coordinate the funeral service and burial with the family and the cemetery

  • Help with prayers, guidance and emotional support for mourners

  • Possibly assist in organising shiva (first stage of mourning)

Why are the Chevra Kadisha important?

• The Chevra Kadisha perform a vital role for the Jewish community

  • Their actions fulfil a mitzvah because “caring for the dead” (chesed shel emet) is a true act of kindness

  • Their actions also show respect for the dead and treat the body with honour

  • This also supports the Jewish belief in an afterlife because the body is prepared in line with the burial conditions to achieve resurrection

• The group also help to maintain tradition because they support Jewish funeral customs