Mourning
"And the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
The customs attendant a Jewish funeral ceremony varies from one congregation to the other and from place to place. According to tradition, it combines the customs of tearing one's garment by the mourners, and reciting the mourner's Kaddish ('sanctification' in Aramaic; a prayer that proclaims God's greatness), making eulogies, reciting Psalms' verses, praying El Malé Rachamim (a God abounding with mercy), validating the injunction and asking the deceased for forgiveness.
In addition, it is possible to incorporate additional customs at a funeral, such as singing a farewell song or holding a moment of silence in memory of the deceased, as well as any other request intended to comfort the deceased's family.
Death is an integral part of the circle of life, and funeral ceremonies, the shloshim (a period of mourning observed for thirty days after a family member's funeral), the first anniversary, as well as the following anniversaries, are all moments in which all the pain occasioned in parting with a loved one is felt.
Yet, life and its meaning are sometimes revealed at such junctures in all their intensity and drama. We all have the right, even duty, to say goodbye to our loved ones and remember them in a way that honors both the living and the dead.
It is important to know that both women and men can carry eulogies and even say the Kaddish prayer in memory of their departed relative, in a Reform ceremony.
About mourning ceremonies
The shiv'a, Displaying Tombstone on Thirtieth Day, First and Later Anniversaries
According to Jewish tradition, the process of departing from life moves on a timeline commencing on the day of death and forward. After the funeral and the shiv'a (a wake held for seven days), it is customary to gather again around the grave for an unveiling ceremony of the tombstone on the thirtieth day following passage of the departed.
It is usually an intimate occasion held around the grave, another milestone in the process of parting with the deceased and coming to terms with the death of a loved one by family members and close friends.
At the unveiling service, as well as on the first anniversary and on each year's anniversary thereafter, a ceremony can be held that combines traditional elements such as reciting Psalms, reciting the Kaddish and praying El Malé Rachamim, adding other ceremonial aspects such as singing or a minute of silence and sharing feelings and thoughts of family members and friends.
Funeral, Unveiling of Tombstone and Remembrance Days with Rabbi Or Zohar
Rabbi Or Zohar conducts funeral ceremonies, the unveiling of tombstones and memorial days, while most attentively listening and being sensitive to the needs of family members during their difficult moments.
Beyond the ceremonial aspect and counseling regarding the customs of burial, the Shiv'a, mourning and remembrance, Rabbi Or Zohar is ready to serve as a listening ear and be present as a spiritual guide in any difficult moment if and when needed.
For more details about mourning ceremonies with Rabbi Or Zohar, send an inquiry
