There are several thorough and lucid sources of information on Jewish laws and customs regarding death and mourning. The Bond of Life, ed. Rabbi Jules Harlow (The Rabbinical Assembly, N.Y., 1983). Upon learning of the bereavement of one of its members, This is an excellent compilation of readings, instructions about observances, and the weekday services. The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, Rabbi Maurice Lamm (Jonathan David Publishers. N.Y., 1969). Perhaps the best source of information in one volume, this has been a major source for this manual. To Be a Jew, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin (Basic Books, Inc., N.Y., 1972). A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice. Isaac Klein (Jewish Theological Seminary, N.Y., 1979). The Complete Book of Jewish Observance, Leo Trepp (Behrman House, N.Y., 1980). O. Glossary Aninut the period of mourning between death and the funeral service. El Malei Rachamim a memorial prayer chanted at funerals, unveilings, and Yizkor services. It asks that God grant shalom to the soul of the departed. Hevra Kaddisha a society of Jews who perform the rites of shmira and tahara. Kippot traditional skull caps (plural). Kippah is singular. Kri'ah a ritual act, performed just before the funeral service, of tearing or cutting a garment or a ribbon provided for the purpose. It symbolizes the inner tear made by death in the life of the mourner. Ma'ariv the service recited daily after nightfall. It consists of the Shema (and its blessings), the Amida, Aleynu, and Mourners Kaddish. Memorial phrases Phrases commonly seen on Jewish monuments are
(po nikbar/nikbera) abbreviated as (ô"ð) - "Here lies buried" (t'hei nishmato(a) tsrura bitsror hachayyim usually abbreviated ú'ð'ö'á'ä'. "May his (her) soul be bound up in the bond of life." (zichrono/zichrona) livracha), usually abbreviated (æØì) "May his (her) memory be a blessing." The name of the deceased is often added to this phrase. (alav/aleha hashalom). - "Peace be upon him (her)" òìéå äùìåí/òìéä äùìåí (Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avelei tzion vi’y’rushalayim)
äî÷åí éðçí àúëí áúåê àáéìé öéåï åéøåùìéí
"May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem." This phrase is provided by tradition for those wishing to comfort the bereaved. Minyan – a group of ten adult Jews gathered for the purpose of prayer. The presence of a minyan is required by Jewish law for the recital of the Mourner's Kaddish and other prayers which are public expressions of praise of God. A minyan may consist of both men and women in some congregations. Mitzvah – a commandment prescribed by Jewish law. Mitzvot is the plural. Onen – a bereaved person during the period between death and the interment. Shiva – the seven days following interment, counting the day of the burial as day one. Shloshim the thirty days following interment, counting the day of the burial as day one. Shmira the mitzvah of watching the body from the time of death until the interment. The person who watches is known as the shomer. Tachrichim traditional Jewish burial garments of white muslin, cotton, or linen sewn without bindings, seams, knots, or pockets. A set for men includes a tallit. Tahara the traditional washing of the body of the deceased, performed by a Hevra Kaddisha, a Jewish Burial Society. Tallit – a four cornered shawl, with fringes at each corner, worn by Jews when saying the Morning Prayer. The fringes are called tzitzit. Tzedakah literally means "righteousness." This term commonly refers to the giving of money to charitable organizations. Viddui – a formula of final confession recited by traditional Jews when their death is imminent. Yahrzeit the anniversary of a person's death reckoned by the Hebrew calendar. Yizkor – a memorial service held on Yom Kippur, on the eighth day of Sukkot (Shmini Atseret), on the last day of Passover, and on the second day of Shavuot. Mourners Kaddish is recited at these times. Rabbi Mel Glazer is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist who can help you navigate these difficult waves of emotion. He has served pulpits in the United States, Canada, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Feel free to call upon him for guidance when making difficult decisions. He is also available to officiate at funerals for your loved ones anywhere in America. His phone number is 1.877. LECHAIM. (1.877.532.4246)
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