By Jewish custom and tradition, burial at a Jewish cemetery is the preferred end-of-life option. AM Israel Mortuary offers the following burial service packages depending on how elaborate you desire the ceremony to be:
Graveside Service This burial service option includes the necessary staff and equipment for holding a ceremony at the cemetery. |
Chapel or Synagogue Service This burial package consists of a more elaborate funeral service at a chapel or synagogue, and then a simpler ceremony at the cemetery. |
Click here for pricing info and more detail on the above burial services. Also do not hesitate to contact us by phone - 619-583-8850 or by email - info@amisraelmortuary.com.
Below is a list of traditional Jewish burial customs. Today, there is flexibility when it comes to these burial customs and it may be acceptable to not follow them or follow a variation of them.
- A Jewish funeral usually occurs within 24 hrs after the death.
- Jewish tradition does not incorporate a viewing, visitation, or a wake.
- Prior to the funeral service, the immediate family usually gathers and participates in the "keriah" where a visible part of clothing such as a lapel, shirt collar, or pocket is torn as sign of mourning. Today, the practice has shifted to tearing a black ribbon off from a lapel, short collar, or pocket.
- The body is buried in a plain wooden casket.
- The body is washed and not embalmed.
- During the funeral service, the casket is often kept closed.
- The rabbi usually administers a funeral service that is short, reflective, and solemn.
- At the graveside service, it is common for the family and guests to actually participate in the actual burial. Each person will generally place a few shovels of soil onto the casket.
Sources:
Shiva.com. (2017). Jewish funerals and burial. Retrieved from: http://www.shiva.com/learning-center/death-and-mourning/burial/
Everplans. (2017). Religious perspectives on holding a viewing, wake, or visitation. Retrieved from: https://www.everplans.com/articles/religious-perspectives-on-holding-a-viewing-wake-or-visitation