Jewish Funeral

• A Jewish funeral will be short and have no flowers as they represent life, where a funeral is a time of death.
• A Jewish funeral will start at a funeral home, synagogue or graveside.
• An open casket is traditionally considered disrespectful in Judaism.
• Every man is expected to cover their head out of respect at a Jewish funeral.
• A Jewish funeral will take place as soon as possible, sometimes just 24 hours after the death.
• There is always someone by the side of the body before the funeral as it is considered disrespectful in Judaism to leave the body alone.
• The first week after a Jewish funeral is the most intense period of mourning. Family members stay close to each other and comfort one another by praying. This is known as Shiva.
• During Shiva, the mourners sit on low chairs and do not cut their hair or nails. All mirrors are covered.
• After burial a blessing is said: "May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."
• Sheloshim is the first month of mourning. Over the course of this month, the males continue to recite the Kaddish when visiting the synagogue.
• After Sheloism, the Kaddish is said every day for until the anniversary of the person's death. The prayer will then be recited every anniversary.