Understanding What Is Expected Of You During A Rabbi Funeral

By Harold Lee


According to the funeral practices of Jews, a loved one is burred about 24 hours after they pass on. This makes it unusual to have a viewing ceremony or even wakes. Before the service begins, family members practice Keriah, which involves tearing a visible piece of cloth or black ribbons in honor of the life of the deceased. This also symbolizes their grief during a rabbi funeral.

If you are not a Jew, this does not mean that you cannot attend the funeral of a dear friend or a close relative to your friend. It is even so vital for you to have a good idea of what to expect and also what people will expect of you. To begin with, say as little as possible. Even better, it is allowed to say nothing at all to the mourners.

You can choose to wear a smart casual outfit with flat shoes, especially if you want to attend the graveside ceremony. Because the Jews move directly from the chapel to the graveside and from the graveside to their homes, arrive at the service minutes in advance and offer your comforts if need be. It certainly is not polite to hold the morning family back with handshakes and sympathies.

As people wait for the service to begin in the chapel, they can sit down and talk in low tones. Everything happens in low key and you should talk quietly even if you find your pals there. Another polite thing to do is avoid fiddling with your phone and turn it off once the service begins.

Those attending the funeral can just sit down and listen. Participate or respond appropriately during prayers and psalms and also as the eulogy is read. The Jews celebrate the life of the deceased and you should not be shocked in case funny stories are told about the loved one during the service. Light moments of laughter are common even as family and friends mourn one of their own.

The final service for rabbis will in the majorities of cases happen in the chapel. This makes it unnecessary for non-family members to attend the graveside ceremony that will only take ten minutes at most. The area is likely to have limited chairs that ought to be used by the mourners.

Jews host a Shiva about seven days after the funeral. If you choose to attend the home gathering, again, the most important thing is your presence and it is okay to stay for half an hour or less before leaving. Bringing some food with you is a good gesture because it will save the family from shopping and cooking as they grieve. Simply avoid meat and shellfish and play safe if you do not know the Jewish food laws.

The Jewish laws demand that one lives a good life when they are alive. They never talk about the afterlife so do not bring up the topic. You are also likely not to see bouquets of flowers all over so if you desire to make a kind gesture, choose to make a donation in respect of the deceased rabbi.




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