funerals

• genesis g-d says to adam "you are dust, and to dust you shall return", indicates humans should be returned to the ground from which they were made
• dying person should never be left alone, once person is dead relatives shut the eyes and mouth of the deceased, put body on floor and cover with white sheet
• cover mirrors and throw out standing water
• body washed, dressed in white linen shroud with tallit (prayer shawl) with one of tzitzit (fringes) cut off
• show deceased no longer has to obey the mitzvot
• chevra kadisha (holy society) prepare body for burial
• burial must take place asap and within a period of 24 hours after death
• torah: "you shall bury him that same day" (deut 21:23)
• orthodox: close members of the family might tear some of their clothing as a sign of grief, some may just wear black ribbons instead
• orthodox jews might have some dirt from israel poured over the eyes and the heart in belief that this will ensure they are among the first to rise at the resurrection
• mourner's kaddosh, OJ believe daily recitation of this prayer by the family for a year after their death could shorter their time in gehenna
• official mourning period of seven days, close relatives of dead person do not leave their home during this period known as shiva
• reform jews focus more on the immortality of the soul in the presence of g-d, consider cremation to be acceptable
• prayers said by mourners can help a soul avoid gehanna
• at death we should return the body intact as a sign of respect for the creator
• reform jews see funerals as an important time to reflect on the value of life and the love people should have for each other, especially remembered at death