How does the Jewish community deal with death?
Learning Objective
You should learn:
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about Jewish funeral rites
why Jews mark death with a ceremony
to consider ultimate questions about what human life is worth
While the preservation of life in Judaism is of paramount importance, taking
precedence over nearly all other priorities and observances, death is not therefore
abhorred or devalued. Instead, death is seen as a part of life and a part of God's
plan. The extensive mourning rituals in Judaism do not indicate a rejection or protest
of death, but demonstrate the great value Judaism places on life in general and the
life of each individual person.
Treatment of the Body
According to Jewish law, funerals should take place as soon as possible after death.
Usually this means that within 24 hours is an optimal time frame. Funerals may be
delayed, however, for a variety of reasons including that funerals cannot be
planned or performed on Shabbat, that the body must be transported and/or that
relatives must travel from long distances to attend. Upon the death of a Jew, the
eyes are closed, the body is covered and laid on the floor, and candles are lit next to
it. The body is never left alone as a sign of respect. Those who stay with the body
are called shomerim (guards). Eating, drinking, or performing mitzvot are prohibited
near the body, as such actions would mock the person who is no longer able to do
such things.
n Jewish law, being in the presence of a dead body causes ritual uncleanness. Thus
a kohein (member of the priestly family) may not be in the presence of a corpse, and
those who have been must wash their hands before entering a home, whether or not
they actually touched the body.
Most Jewish communities have a special group of volunteers, the "holy society"
(chevra kaddisha) whose job is to care for the dead. This work holds great merit
since those they serve can never repay them. They are responsible for washing the
body and preparing for burial in accordance with Jewish custom.
Bodies may not be cremated. Embalming and the removal of organs and fluids is
prohibited, although there are allowances for autopsies and organ donation. The
former can be done if it would save a life or if local law requires it; the latter may be
done since the organ's eventual burial will fulfill the requirement to bury the entire
body.
Open caskets are forbidden by Jewish law, as it would be disrespectful to allow any
enemies of the dead to view them in their helpless state. Bodies are buried in a
simple linen shroud, so that the poor will not receive less honor than the rich. The
body is also wrapped in a tallit.
Coffins are not required, and are not used in Israel. If they are used, holes must be
drilled into them to allow contact with the earth. A handful of earth from Israel is
thrown in the casket with the body by a family member. These practices are intended
to put the body in the closest contact with the earth as possible, and reflect the belief
that the dead will rise in Israel in the messianic age.
Tombstones
Jewish law requires that tombstones be erected on all graves, so the dead will be
remembered and the grave will not be desecrated. In some communities it is
customary to place stones on the grave when visiting, as was done in the
film Schindler's List. The origins of this tradition are not entirely clear, and it is not
universally practiced.
Jewish tombstones display the sort of information found on most tombstones: the
name of the deceased, date of death, and a short benediction. This information is
normally written in Hebrew, and certain symbols indicating the deceased is Jewish
may also be present, such as a menorah, star of David, torah scroll, lion, or the
tablets of the Ten Commandments.
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The Funeral
Jewish funerals are usually simple, respectful services. Most take place in a
synagogue, funeral home or graveside. During this service Psalms are chanted, the
Eyl Malei Rahamim (memorial prayer) is said and a eulogy honouring and
celebrating the deceased is given. Viewing of the body is prohibited during Jewish
funerals. The casket is carried to the gravesite by pallbearers who stop seven times
while family and friends follow. K'vurah (burial) then takes place and the Kaddish is
recited (though there are some variations so discussing this with a Rabbi is
encouraged). Jewish people are generally buried in Jewish cemeteries though nonJewish spouses need a Rabbi's approval to be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Rabbis
may not officiate at the funerals of Jewish people who will be buried in non-Jewish
cemeteries.
Mourning
Parents, spouses, children and siblings of the deceased are obligated to mourn for
their loved one according to Jewish law. A seven day intensive mourning period
known as Shivah begins on the day of burial. During this time going to work and
school is discouraged. During this time it is also customary that mirrors be covered, a
memorial candle lit, leather shoes to be avoided and males to stop shaving. After the
seventh day, Shloshim is observed for thirty days followed by Shanna for twelve
months. On each anniversary of the death, the Kaddish is recited.
Preplanning for a Jewish funeral should be carried out with a Rabbi and is
encouraged given that these funerals are meant to occur as quickly as possible after
the death. At the time of death, the deceased's religion should be made known to the
authorities so that they can issue a death certificate as soon as they are able.
Rabbis, Hevra Kadisha and local Jewish communities are excellent resources when
planning a Jewish funeral.
Activities:
Discuss in pairs the following questions and write the answer in your RE exercise
books:
1. Why do you think that some Jews mourn for as long as a year?
2. Why is the body wrapped in a simple white cloth?
3. What do Jewish funeral practices tell us about Jewish beliefs?