Jewish Burial Customs

Jewish Burial Customs

How are Jewish People Buried?

After the Jewish funeral ceremony is over, a procession to the cemetery will occur. If you plan on attending the graveside portion of the funeral, here are some customs you need to keep in mind:

- The burial in the ground (k’vurah b’karka) is the most important part of the funeral. Therefore, everyone who is able should make every effort to “accompany the deceased” (levayah) to the cemetery.

- When you arrive at the cemetery, refrain from greeting the grieving family. They will take their seats, and the guests should stand behind them. 

- The pall bearers carry the casket from the hearse to the gravesite. For some communities, the pall bearers momentarily stop seven times to say prayer. The main reason for this custom is to recognize that this is a challenging task and there is no rush to complete it. 

- A rabbi or officiant will lead the group in a series of prayers including the Mourners Kaddish. As different Rabbis have differing standards and procedures they follow, please take direction from the Rabbi.

- After lowering the casket, it is then appropriate for all attendees to participate in the actual burial by shoveling earth into the grave, as it is the primary responsibility of the family and the community. Sometimes soil from Israel is also placed on the casket.

- Once the graveside service has concluded, the other guests form two rows. In this way the guests create a sheltered walkway for the bereaved family to walk through. As the family walks by, say the traditional words of consolation, “Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'toch sh'ar availai tziyon ee yerushalayim”. You can also say these words in English if you feel like you may mispronounce them, “May the Almighty comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” Do not approach the family; simply recite the words as they pass. However, if they approach you, it is acceptable to respond with a gentle hug and kind, comforting words. 

- Under strict Jewish burial customs, women exit the gravesite first followed by men.
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Jewish Caskets

Jewish laws tells us the deceased should be buried in a casket that is made completely out of wood – with no metal or nails. These caskets are often referred to as kosher caskets. The reason for kosher caskets aligns with the overall Jewish perception of keeping the entire funeral as simple as possible. Please take a look at the Jewish caskets we offer. 

Jewish Cemeteries

Jewish cemetrries are considered holy and even have a special ceremony upon its opening. One of the first priorities of a new Jewish community is to establsih a cemetery. Jewish cemeteries are usually purchased and operated on communal funds. Jewish cemeteries can be referred to many different ways in Hebrew:
  • bet kevarot - house of tombs
  • beit almin or bet olam - house of eternity
  • bet chayyim - house of the eternal life
  • bet shalom - house of peace
Check out our page on local jewish cemeteries near you. 
Home Of Peace Jewish Cemetery
Jewish burial customs in San Diego
Sources:


Black, J. (2019). What to expect at a Jewish funeral. Retrieved from https://reformjudaism.org/what-expect-jewish-funeral 

Goldstein, Z. (2014). After the burial in Judaism. Retrieved from https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/368098/jewish/After-the-Burial-in-Judaism.htm 

Klug, L. (2014). Jewish funeral customs: Saying goodbye to a loved one. Retrieved from https://www.jfedgmw.org/jewish-funeral-customs-saying-goodbye-to-a-loved-one 

Wolfson, R. (2019). Jewish funerals: When you go. Retrieved from https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/going-to-a-jewish-funeral/ 
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