Practices in JudaismDeath and mourning

In Jewish tradition, burial should happen as soon as possible after death. Upon death, the eyes of the deceased are closed (if they are not already) and the body is washed and prepared for burial. Jewish people are often buried in simple coffins to show equality. The burial ceremony takes place at a cemetery, not in a synagogue and funeral services include prayers, psalms and a eulogy.

Mourning family members perform kriah, which means that they make a tear in their clothes as a symbol of grief.

The Kaddish is said to help people focus on God at a time when they may feel far from him.

Shiva is a period of mourning lasting seven days following burial. Orthodox Jews do not leave the house during this period of mourning. Instead, others visit them and create a minyan.

Losing a parent means that Jews will be in mourning for a whole year. This is known as Avelut, and during this time the Kaddish must be said every day for 11 months.

Certain customs are followed to remember the dead:

1. Families often buy a gravestone to mark the grave so that the dead are not forgotten.
2. On the eve of the anniversary of a person’s death, the Kaddish is said and candles are lit.
3. Often, people will fast and make charitable donations to mark the anniversary of their loved one’s death.