Learning Centre

Jewish traditions address grief and bereavement

Have any questions? We’re here to assist you.

What to do when a death occurs

There are many community members who can help you during this time. Please contact any of our community funeral chapels, they will be able to assist you with the funeral arrangements and guide you through your options.

Traditions when someone dies

There are many beautiful traditions that honour their memory, from the way the body is cared for to the observance of Shiva and the recitation of mourners’ prayers throughout the year.

The importance of Jewish burial

This is carried out from our core belief that the soul is present around the body until it is buried. The process centers around the feelings of the deceased, not just the feelings of those who are grieving.

The importance of burying in a Jewish cemetery

There is peace to be found in our Jewish traditions and rituals. They link us to our legacy, connecting us all at once to our ancestors and future generations.

What happens at a Jewish funeral

The funeral usually takes place as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours. It may include prayers, eulogies, and the reading of Psalms.

Where to host a service

A funeral service can be held at various locations, each providing a unique setting for honouring the deceased. These locations include a funeral home, graveside, the cemetery assembly hall, and at synagogue.

Selecting a funeral home

We work with local Jewish funeral chapels who guarantee the rituals that we require are being carried out with the body.

Jewish Beliefs in End of Life

Supporting a mourner

It is said, “there is no greater gift that you can give than the gift of your presence.” There are many ways to support a friend or family who is experiencing a loss.

Kavod HaMet & Tahara

This is the central Jewish principle of our mourning practices, based around honouring the dead and paying respects. It involves Tahara, the ritual purification and sacred preparation of the body for burial. It consists of cleansing and dressing the body after death, assisting the soul from this world to the next.

Shiva

These are the seven days of observed mourning following a death. Friends and Family visit the mourners at the Shiva house to offer their support and condolences and to let the family know that they are not alone in their grief.

Saying Kaddish

Kaddish is recited to introduce structured ritual to help mourners grieve and honour their loved one. Kaddish is recited during each of the three daily prayer services during the seven-day Shiva period, continues daily for 30 days (shloshim), and for eleven months for a parent.

Yizkor

Yizkor is recited four times a year—on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Passover, and the second day of Shavuot. The Yizkor service includes specific prayers and Psalms. The central part of the service involves individual prayers for each deceased relative, remembering them and granting them peace.

Lessons from COVID

COVID interupted the process of grief and bearavement. It also introduced the use of technology with livestreams to include family and friends who were unable to attend in person. It taught us the importance of showing up when we are able, to support our community in their time of loss.

How to select a monument

Monuments are important to physically mark the places where family members, loved ones, and future generations return to remember each singular and special life lived. Most Jewish monuments / markers include the abbreviation פ״נ which stands for po nikbar or po nitman which means “here lies”.

Visiting a cemetery

A gravesite is a sacred home for those we’ve lost. As such, we have imbued our cemetery grounds with a healing beauty so we can always feel close to those we’ve lost.

Why to pre-plan a service

Making your own preparations for the end of life is an immense service to your loved ones, alleviating some of the great stressors that come with loss.

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