Jewish Bereavement

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.

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

The chevra kadisha is a group of committed Jews who prepare 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."

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

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

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