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At Big Apple Funeral, we understand the deep-rooted customs and traditions associated with Jewish funerals. Our compassionate team is dedicated to honoring these sacred rites, ensuring that each funeral service aligns with the time-honored Jewish traditions that bring comfort and meaning to families in their time of grief.

Understanding Jewish Funeral Customs

Jewish funeral practices emphasize respect, simplicity, and the dignity of the deceased. The rituals follow centuries-old traditions that focus on honoring the life of the departed while supporting the bereaved family. The Jewish faith teaches that burial should occur as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of passing, as a sign of respect for the deceased and in accordance with religious law.

Preparation of the Deceased: Tahara

One of the most sacred aspects of a Jewish funeral is the Tahara, or ritual purification. This process is performed by a Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society), a group of individuals trained in the sacred washing and preparation of the body. The body is gently cleansed and purified in a respectful and ritualistic manner before being dressed in a simple white shroud known as a tachrichim. This attire symbolizes purity and equality, signifying that all individuals are treated the same in death, regardless of status or wealth.

The Simple Wooden Casket

Jewish tradition dictates that the deceased should be buried in a simple, all-wood casket, free of metal and elaborate ornamentation. This is rooted in the principle of humility and the belief that we return to the earth as we came. At Big Apple Funeral, we provide kosher caskets that align with these principles, ensuring that all materials are biodegradable, in accordance with Jewish law.

The Funeral Service

Jewish funerals are typically brief and solemn, with a focus on prayer and remembrance. Services often take place at a funeral home, synagogue, or graveside. The eulogy (hesped) is an integral part of the ceremony, offering an opportunity for family and religious leaders to honor the life and character of the deceased. Traditional prayers, such as the El Maleh Rachamim and Kaddish, are recited to seek peace and elevate the soul of the departed.

Burial and Interment

Following the service, the body is taken to the burial site. A key element of Jewish funerals is the participation of mourners in the burial process, particularly the symbolic act of placing earth onto the casket. This mitzvah (good deed) represents the fulfillment of one’s final duty to the deceased. Jewish law prohibits cremation, emphasizing the sanctity of burial as the preferred method of honoring the body.

Shiva: The Mourning Period

After the burial, Jewish tradition prescribes a mourning period known as Shiva, which typically lasts for seven days. During this time, family members gather at home to receive visitors, pray, and reflect on the life of their loved one. Shiva is a deeply meaningful practice that allows for communal support and healing.

Big Apple Funeral assists families in making Shiva arrangements, including providing resources for traditional mourning practices such as covering mirrors, lighting memorial candles, and reciting daily prayers.

Our Commitment to Honoring Tradition

At Big Apple Funeral, we are committed to guiding families through every step of the Jewish funeral process with care, respect, and expertise. We work closely with rabbis, synagogues, and community organizations to ensure that all religious customs are observed in accordance with Jewish law and family preferences.

Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist with funeral planning, from arranging traditional services to providing grief support. We understand the emotional and logistical challenges that come with loss, and our goal is to ease the burden while honoring the sacred traditions that bring comfort to families during their time of mourning.