Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the Hebrew meaning of 'Aron'?
What is the Hebrew meaning of 'Aron'?
- Container (correct)
- Group caring for the dead
- Casket made entirely of wood (correct)
- Religious singer
What is a Cantor?
What is a Cantor?
A religious singer who assists the clergy.
What does 'Chevrah Kadisha' mean?
What does 'Chevrah Kadisha' mean?
Holy or Burial Society.
What is 'El Malei Rachamin'?
What is 'El Malei Rachamin'?
What is a Grave?
What is a Grave?
What are Grave Straps used for?
What are Grave Straps used for?
What is a Hesped?
What is a Hesped?
Who recites the Kaddish?
Who recites the Kaddish?
What does Kriah symbolize?
What does Kriah symbolize?
What is Levaya?
What is Levaya?
What is a Lowering Device?
What is a Lowering Device?
What is a Menorah?
What is a Menorah?
What does Mogen David symbolize?
What does Mogen David symbolize?
What is the definition of Rabbi?
What is the definition of Rabbi?
When does Shabbat begin?
When does Shabbat begin?
How long is Shivah observed?
How long is Shivah observed?
What is Sholoshim?
What is Sholoshim?
What is a Shomer?
What is a Shomer?
What is a Shroud?
What is a Shroud?
What is a Synagogue?
What is a Synagogue?
What are Tachrichim?
What are Tachrichim?
What does Taharah involve?
What does Taharah involve?
What is a Tallith?
What is a Tallith?
What are Tehillim?
What are Tehillim?
What is the Torah?
What is the Torah?
What are Vestments?
What are Vestments?
What does Yahrzeit commemorate?
What does Yahrzeit commemorate?
What is a Yarmulke?
What is a Yarmulke?
What does Yizkor signify?
What does Yizkor signify?
All services and arrangements are under the supervision of the ______ and funeral director.
All services and arrangements are under the supervision of the ______ and funeral director.
Notify rabbi immediately following death unless on the ______.
Notify rabbi immediately following death unless on the ______.
The group leader of the ______ needs to be notified.
The group leader of the ______ needs to be notified.
No ______, ______ or unnecessary ______ are to take place in the room with the body.
No ______, ______ or unnecessary ______ are to take place in the room with the body.
This process is called 'the watch' (________).
This process is called 'the watch' (________).
No removals are made on the ______.
No removals are made on the ______.
Intent is to give back the entire body to the ______.
Intent is to give back the entire body to the ______.
Once death is definitive process begins.
Once death is definitive process begins.
Body is placed on the sheet, face up with feet towards the ______.
Body is placed on the sheet, face up with feet towards the ______.
Windows in the room are to be ______.
Windows in the room are to be ______.
The deceased is addressed in ______.
The deceased is addressed in ______.
The deceased is asked to forgive any ______ in the process.
The deceased is asked to forgive any ______ in the process.
______ are recited.
______ are recited.
Limbs straightened, eyes closed, mouth closed with a scarf or handkerchief wrapped around, ______ is elevated.
Limbs straightened, eyes closed, mouth closed with a scarf or handkerchief wrapped around, ______ is elevated.
Candle is lit and placed at the ______ of deceased.
Candle is lit and placed at the ______ of deceased.
Only ______ Jews may handle the body.
Only ______ Jews may handle the body.
Process is called 'Laying Down' (_______): Needs to be done prior to washing (taharah)
Process is called 'Laying Down' (_______): Needs to be done prior to washing (taharah)
______ in the household are covered: Removes vanity from grieving and hides resemblances.
______ in the household are covered: Removes vanity from grieving and hides resemblances.
From the time of death until the ______ a shomer will remain in close proximity with the body reciting prayers.
From the time of death until the ______ a shomer will remain in close proximity with the body reciting prayers.
Embalming is only allowed if _____ _____ requires it.
Embalming is only allowed if _____ _____ requires it.
_______ (Taharah) by the chevra kadisha.
_______ (Taharah) by the chevra kadisha.
Broken pottery, soil from Israel, wooden instruments, pails and pitchers, cloth strips for washing, prayer shawl for ______.
Broken pottery, soil from Israel, wooden instruments, pails and pitchers, cloth strips for washing, prayer shawl for ______.
_______ are permitted if deceased had communicable disease.
_______ are permitted if deceased had communicable disease.
Coffin or caskets (aron) should be ______.
Coffin or caskets (aron) should be ______.
Assembled with ______ ______, not metal screws.
Assembled with ______ ______, not metal screws.
No ______ or _______.
No ______ or _______.
No ______ glues.
No ______ glues.
Holes may be drilled into the ______ to get the deceased closer to the earth.
Holes may be drilled into the ______ to get the deceased closer to the earth.
Body is ______ by the chevra kadisha.
Body is ______ by the chevra kadisha.
___ garments for men.
___ garments for men.
____ garments for women.
____ garments for women.
Pillow for the deceased is filled with _____ from Israel and _____.
Pillow for the deceased is filled with _____ from Israel and _____.
Soil may also be spread on the bottom of the _____
Soil may also be spread on the bottom of the _____
_____ items may be included.
_____ items may be included.
What was on the body at the time of _____ should remain with the body in the casket.
What was on the body at the time of _____ should remain with the body in the casket.
Once casket is ______ it is to remain closed.
Once casket is ______ it is to remain closed.
Casket should be removed _____ first as it travels for burial.
Casket should be removed _____ first as it travels for burial.
______ are to be washed after being in contact with or near the body.
______ are to be washed after being in contact with or near the body.
Held at the _____ _____ or at the _______ rarely at the synagogue.
Held at the _____ _____ or at the _______ rarely at the synagogue.
Aron is placed parallel and covered with a _____.
Aron is placed parallel and covered with a _____.
_____ is placed nearby.
_____ is placed nearby.
______ are not usually present.
______ are not usually present.
Service is directed by the ______.
Service is directed by the ______.
No funerals are held on the _____
No funerals are held on the _____
_______ may accompany the rabbi.
_______ may accompany the rabbi.
Cortege (levaya) may stop by the ______ for the rabbi to say a prayer at the door.
Cortege (levaya) may stop by the ______ for the rabbi to say a prayer at the door.
Coach door should be ______ during this time.
Coach door should be ______ during this time.
During procession the rabbi will stop __ times to pray and recite a Psalm.
During procession the rabbi will stop __ times to pray and recite a Psalm.
Aron is placed on _____ slats and _____ straps.
Aron is placed on _____ slats and _____ straps.
Grave is typically _______ (simple).
Grave is typically _______ (simple).
Rabbi recites prayers and everyone recites the ______.
Rabbi recites prayers and everyone recites the ______.
Clothing of family may be ___ or _____ at this time.
Clothing of family may be ___ or _____ at this time.
______ shovels dirt first onto the aron then members of the family take turns shoveling until the aron is covered; shovel is not passed from person to person.
______ shovels dirt first onto the aron then members of the family take turns shoveling until the aron is covered; shovel is not passed from person to person.
Mourners wash hands ______ times by pouring water on them from a vessel.
Mourners wash hands ______ times by pouring water on them from a vessel.
Hands are _____-dried.
Hands are _____-dried.
Blood relatives are expected to refrain from ______, _______ or ________ during mourning periods.
Blood relatives are expected to refrain from ______, _______ or ________ during mourning periods.
The ______ of death is the start of the mourning period.
The ______ of death is the start of the mourning period.
A private memorial service is held by immediate family and friends, usually in ______ home.
A private memorial service is held by immediate family and friends, usually in ______ home.
A special candle is lit for ____ hours.
A special candle is lit for ____ hours.
It can also be the day the ______ is unveiled.
It can also be the day the ______ is unveiled.
A public memorial service recited ____ times a year.
A public memorial service recited ____ times a year.
Held in a ______.
Held in a ______.
Includes recitation of El Malei Rachamin, the sacred prayer of ______.
Includes recitation of El Malei Rachamin, the sacred prayer of ______.
Study Notes
Jewish Funeral Practices and Terminology
- Aron: A wooden casket with no metal parts, symbolizing the Hebrew meaning "container."
- Cantor: A religious singer supporting clergy and assisting the Rabbi during services.
- Chevrah Kadisha: Meaning "Holy or Burial Society," this group cares for the deceased, handling funeral preparations within the Jewish community.
- El Malei Rachamin: A memorial service translated as "God full of compassion," typically recited as the final prayer at a funeral.
- Grave: An excavated space in the earth for interring the deceased.
- Grave Straps: Materials used to lower the casket into the grave.
- Hesped: A eulogy offering true evaluation of the deceased's life within the funeral service.
Mourning Prayers and Rituals
- Kaddish: A prayer recited for the deceased by direct mourners, observed at interment and subsequently at services for eleven months by children for parents.
- Kriah: A symbolic act of tearing a garment or ribbon to express grief.
- Levaya: The funeral procession in Jewish tradition.
- Shivah: A seven-day mourning period following the burial.
- Sholoshim: The 30-day mourning period wherein mourners follow specific practices.
- Yahrzeit: The anniversary of a loved one’s death, observed with remembrance rituals.
Ritual Practices and Clothing
- Menorah: A seven-branched candelabrum symbolizing Judaism's oldest traditions.
- Mogen David (Star of David): A hexagram symbol, representing hope for the Jewish people.
- Shroud: A traditional cloth for wrapping the deceased before burial.
- Tachrichim: White linen garments used to dress the deceased members of the Jewish faith.
- Taharah: A ritual washing ceremony performed by the Chevra Kadisha, purifying the body before burial.
Funeral Arrangements and Conduct
- Synagogue: A place of worship in Judaism, where funeral services may occasionally be held.
- Tallith: A prayer shawl worn by men during morning prayers.
- Shomer: A watcher who stays with the deceased, reciting Psalms until burial.
- Vestments: Ritual garments worn by clergy during services.
- Zionism: The significance of burial rituals emphasizes Jewish law and community involvement in the observance of mourning practices.
Specific Practices and Restrictions
- Removal of Remains: Traditionally, no removals occur on the Sabbath unless required by public health.
- Pre-funeral Prayers (Tehillim): Psalms recited by friends and a shomer before funeral services.
- Washing and Handling of the Deceased: Strict guidelines are followed to ensure respect and cleanliness, including using broken pottery and wooden instruments.
- Committal: During the burial, the Rabbi recites prayers, and family members participate in shoveling dirt on the casket, preserving rituals of dignity and respect.
Observances and Community
- Laws of Mourning: Clear expectations for relatives include refraining from celebrations and certain activities during mourning periods.
- Festivities and Restrictions: During Shivah, Sholoshim, and Yahrzeit, specific restrictions are placed on festivities and communal gatherings.
- Yizkor Service: Memorial prayers recited publicly four times a year, integrates community remembrance into Jewish ritual life.
Conclusion
- Cultural Practices: Each aspect of Jewish funeral rites reflects deep respect for the deceased and their family, emphasizing communal support, remembrance, and adherence to tradition.
- Teaching Role of the Rabbi: Integral in leading funeral services, educating mourners, and maintaining observances through the phases of loss.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Hebrew terms with these flashcards from Chapter 4. Each card provides essential definitions and meanings of key religious words. Perfect for students of religious studies and Hebrew language enthusiasts.
