Jewish Mourning Customs in San Diego

Below you will find various topics on Jewish mourning customs in San Diego as well as etiquette for traditional Jewish burials. If you have any more questions about the information you've read here, please feel free to contact us at any point. 

Shiva | Traditional Jewish Funeral Customs

Shivah is a Hebrew word meaning "seven" and refers to a seven-day period of formalized mourning by the immediate family of the deceased. Shivah begins immediately after the burial and concludes a short time after the morning service (Shacharit) on the seventh day.

At the Cemetery

The burial is the most important part of a funeral. Learn about the cemetery procedures that take place during a Jewish burial.

Jewish Bereavement and Stages of Mourning

Read here about Jewish bereavement and the 5 stages of traditional Jewish mourning.

The Funeral Service

By Jewish law and custom, the burial should take place as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of death. When this is not feasible, Jewish law requires one to complete the arrangements as expeditiously as possible.

Meal of Condolence

Seudat Havra’ah is a Hebrew term referring to the first meal served to the mourners in the house of mourning upon returning from the cemetery. It is commonly known as the meal of condolence.

Unveiling

An unveiling (hakamat hamatzeivah) is a graveside religious ceremony marking the formal setting of a loved one’s monument at the cemetery, as it is a religious obligation to place a marker at the grave of a loved one.