The Jewish funeral ceremony, or shiva, is a time for mourning and for honoring the memory of the deceased. The ceremony typically involves the following elements:
Burial: Jewish funerals are typically held as soon as possible after death, usually within a day or two. The body is traditionally buried in a plain wooden casket, and the gravesite is marked with a simple headstone.
Prayers: The funeral ceremony includes prayers and rituals, such as the recitation of the Kaddish, a prayer that glorifies God and affirms the belief in the resurrection of the dead.
Eulogy: A eulogy, or hesped, is a tribute to the life of the deceased, delivered by a family member, friend, or rabbi.
Shiva: After the funeral, the family of the deceased observes a period of mourning called shiva, during which they receive visitors in their home and recite prayers. The shiva period typically lasts for seven days.
Yahrzeit: On the anniversary of the death, the family may observe the yahrzeit, which involves lighting a memorial candle and reciting the Kaddish.
The Jewish funeral ceremony is an important part of the mourning process and is a way for the community to come together to honor the memory of the deceased and to offer support to the grieving family.