Jewish Funeral Traditions

Jewish funerals are steeped in tradition. Most of these traditions are highly symbolic. If you are attending a Jewish funeral, it is helpful to know these rituals in order to feel comfortable and know what you should do as the service progresses.

Immediately after a death

Respect for the dead and for the official mourners is paramount in Jewish tradition. Because of this, the dead are buried as quickly as possible. Until then, the body is not left alone. A Shomer, or watchmen, stays with the deceased until the funeral. "Official" mourners are defined as those who are Kaddish related: a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the deceased. Other family members may also choose to observe the rites of mourners as well.

The funeral

Because Jewish tradition teaches that it is disrespectful to look at someone who cannot look back, funerals have closed caskets. Inside the casket, the person wears a Tachrichim -- white linen burial garments. The color symbolizes equality in death, and there are no pockets, symbolizing that a person takes nothing with him when he dies. Flowers are considered a frivolous adornment, so while some Reform Jews may have a small floral arrangement, you might not see a casket surrounded by flowers like there often is at a Christian funeral.

The burial

Earth burial is preferred, as the tradition dates back to Biblical times. Many people symbolically participate in the actual burial by placing a shovelful of earth onto the casket. This is seen as the ultimate act of love and kindness, because the deceased cannot ask mourners and other attendees to do so, nor can he repay or even thank these people.

Understanding the symbolism and reasoning behind Jewish funeral traditions can make attending them much easier and more comfortable for everyone.