How to Make Jewish Funeral Arrangements

A Helpful Guide of Facts and Suggestions When Planning a Ceremony for a Loved One

There are many meaningful rituals in the Jewish faith that help family and friends mourn the passing of a loved one. Carrying out the ceremonial rituals of your Judaic ancestry, you can plan a memorial that celebrates timeless traditions, honoring your faith and your heritage. When you are looking to make Jewish funeral arrangements befitting of your loved one, there are certain elements that must be considered in order to ensure you are following the burial customs of the Jewish faith. No matter how you choose to commemorate the bereaved, you and your family can create a Jewish funeral service that best commemorates his or her life. In addition to our Jewish Funerals Checklist, the following article has been written to provide you with some helpful information when planning a traditional Jewish burial:

• Contact the appropriate clergy: When a loved one passes, it is important to contact your local Jewish funeral director and Rabbi as soon as possible. In the event that your family does not have a clergy affiliation, your funeral agent can help appoint a Rabbi to fulfill your family’s needs.
• Make funeral arrangements in a timely fashion: In the Jewish community, the funeral should occur as soon as possible. A traditional Jewish funeral service is held at a synagogue, chapel or Kever (grave).
• Locate a “shomer” for the funeral: According to Jewish custom, a shomer, or guard, is someone who stays with the body at all times between the time of death up until the burial. In addition, the shomer must be present at the funeral service.
• Familiarize yourself with Jewish funeral rituals: In the event that you or your family is unfamiliar with Jewish burial customs, it may be helpful to speak with a Jewish funeral home to assist you with the planning process. There are many traditional elements (such as refrigerating the body instead of embalming) that are involved, so it is helpful to consult an expert when making these arrangements.

Be sure to publicize the date, time and location of the funeral ceremony: Since Jewish custom prohibits inviting guests to funerals (the belief is that an invitation implies a celebration), it is important to make the details of the funeral service known in either your family’s synagogue, in your local Jewish newspaper, or by word of mouth.