What Are The Guidelines Of A Jewish Funeral

Immediately following a death, the deceased should not, according to Tradition, be left  unattended. A  watchman, stays with the deceased from the time of death until the funeral and burial , which is observed in Both Chasidic and ultra orthodox manner.

A mourner in Judiasm is one who is defined as being Kaddish related (Of at Age 13 +), which means they are obligated to observe the rites of mourning for the deceased. Those who are considered as mourners are the spouse, parent, sibling or child of the deceased. It's important to realize that other family members, although not technically considered mourners, may want to observe many of the rites of mourning, as  to reflect that they want to show a closeness because of anything less
then showing a concern for the family.

The first person to be called should be your rabbi or the deceased's rabbi. A time is not set for the funeral until the rabbi has been contacted. The rabbi will do whatever is necessary to change his or her schedule to show concern and  accommodate the family's wishes, but there are times when that is not possible. The funeral home and the Rabbi will coordinate the burial and the service at the cemetery, to lessen the constraints of the rabbi and cemetery.

Depending upon a congregation's policy, a service may be held in the temple or synagogue, but more likely it won't take place. Many people today are opting for services at the cemetery only. It is difficult to predict how many people will attend a funeral, but if the deceased is young or leaves a large family, or is active in business or social activities in the community, it is likely that a large number of people will want the opportunity to pay their respects by coming to the funeral.

The mourners are to show respect for the deceased by sitting Shiva, which is to show part of the grieving aspect of a family member dying. When people visit the home right after a burial, there are 2 vases of water left outside the home. It is regarded that all visiters wash their hand in exceptance of someone passing. It is an obligation to not just wash your hands, but to sit with the family to help the grieving process. As Sundown occurs, there is a service to have 10 men to pray for the passing. This is called Yizkor for the recent departed, where 10 men are required to do the service. This is also called a Minyon.

Many families these day sit shiva for only 3 days versus the 7 day guidance. The reason for the shortening of this ritual, is do to having the grieving family to go forward more quickly. As a tradition further at the mourners home, tto help individuals to show respect to visit the home of the recently deceased person, food is provided. The reason for this is to help with all to gain strength back, and to go on from this day