Friday, August 3, 2018

The Grieving Process With Rabbi Funeral

By Laura Long


It is so hard losing a loved one and this is especially so if not lived a full life but it was cut short. A Rabbi funeral in Jewish cases is what is called for and knowing a bit about the ceremony itself can leave one relaxed that all is taken care of. There is a set procedure that makes up the funeral and some of these points are noted here.

There are laws in Judaism that are adhered to in order to make the grieving process that more meaningful. For instance, there is a seven day period called Shiva which are the first days directly after a burial has taken place. Some traditions require the mourners to sit down on a low couch or chair whilst guests and attendees come and pay their respects.

These are all signs that say a person is in mourning but there is more meaning to them than just custom. The first period of mourning is known as Shiva which roughly translated means The Seven or seven days of mourning. During this time the family members receive guests who will want to offer their condolences and really just to talk and give the mourners that bit of strength to carry on.

Then there is the burial itself where there is a set procedure as to how it is carried out. The dead are not buried in fancy and expensive coffins but rather in a pine casket that is modest. Before the burial takes place the body is washed in what is known as Tahara or cleansing after which it is laid to rest in the coffin sometimes wrapped in a prayer shawl especially for men.

It is also customary to cover hanging mirrors and paintings in the home in order to make it known that the house is in a state of mourning. The burial itself is not a lengthy process and usually all in all lasts about three quarters of an hour. Family and friends escort the coffin to the grave site upon which prayers are said out of the book of Tehillim whilst the Rabbi eulogizes.

With the body ready for burial it is time for the ceremony to proceed. The coffin is rolled to the grave site and this is when, close family and friends can help to act as pallbearers. This is a great honour and it is a time for those who do so to reflect on the life they had with the deceased.

Once prayers have been said mourners will say a prayer for the dead known as Kaddish. This prayer will be said for the next eleven months whilst mourners attend Synagogue for morning, noon and evening prayers. It is in respect of the dead so that their soul may be elevated and granted peace in the next world.

Death is never a good thing and saying goodbye to a loved one really hurts deep down. By following the laws of burial one can find peace and with it the ability to move on. Finding a suitable Rabbi to officiate the ceremony is a must as he will be able to enlighten one as to its practices.




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