Funerals and Shiva Form

Notes:

·      Please contact the Rabbi as soon as possible after the passing to coordinate a time for the funeral.

·      The Rabbi does not charge to officiate at funerals, however donations to Chabad of the Rivertowns are suggested. (Suggested donation for a local (Westchester county) graveside ceremony is $750 and $1000 for a funeral home service plus burial. Additional donations can be made for Shiva minyans)  

JEWISH LAW REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING:

TAHARAH / PURIFICATION

Ecclesiastes stated, "As he came, so shall he go." Just as a newborn child is immediately washed and enters this world clean and pure, so shall a person who departs this world be cleansed and made pure. The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity, performed by trained members of the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society). Men prepare men while women prepare women in accordance with Jewish traditional law.

SHMEERAH / WATCHING

The deceased should not be left unattended until interment is completed. Psalms are traditionally recited by the Shomer (Watcher).

TACHRICHIM / BURIAL GARMENTS

A full set of traditional white clothing, preferably made of linen, includes: hat, shirt, pants, jacket, belt, and wrapping sheet. This symbolizes equality and purity.

ORON / CASKET

The wooden casket in keeping with the Biblical teaching "For dust art thou and to the dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19)

K'REEAH / TEARING OF GARMENTS

The rending of the mourners' outer garments, a symbol of their anguish and grief. 

PRAYING AND SAYING KADDISH

It is a mitzvah for prayer services to be held during the seven-day mourning period at the home of the deceased. Kaddish is said for 11 months after the passing of the deceased and on the day of the Yahrzeit