Planning for Immediate Death
We often hear from families that making the funeral arrangements is a stressful and painful thing.
You might have no idea where to begin or even dread the thought of going to a funeral home.
That’s why we created this simple video to outline the process.
Please take a moment to watch and educate yourself – we hope you will find it helpful.
Planning for a funeral service
Chicago Jewish Funerals will provide all the support and guidance you need during a funeral. Throughout this process we assist families in creating a service that is meaningful, appropriate and affordable. Please call 888.509.5011 and one of our compassionate, professional funeral directors will be at your side at anytime, day or night.
The information below is from a comprehensive guide we have prepared for families. It includes an arrangement check list, overview of planning a funeral, guidance about children and funerals, and a glossary of terms and phrases. To download the complete, A Jewish Funeral, click here.
A Jewish Funeral
Traditions and customs may vary among the branches of Judaism. Families may have a wide variety of observances. Many decisions can be made with the counsel of clergy, family members and your funeral director. Above all else, respect is shown to the deceased and the mourners.
Funeral arrangements include:
– Service location
– Time and Date of service
– Select a casket and outer burial container
– Cemetery for burial
– Clergy to officiate
– Special service additions: i.e., music, photo montage, live musicians
– Information for death notice and obituary
– Determine Shiva home
– Select pallbearers
– Informing family and friends
– Select speakers for the service
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO HAVE:
– Deceased’s vital statistics: social security number, date of birth, parents’ names
– Military discharge papers (if appropriate)
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CEMETERY?
WHEN DOES A FUNERAL TAKE PLACE?
WHAT ARE THE PREPARATIONS?
WHAT IS A KRIAH CEREMONY?
SHOULD CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN A FUNERAL SERVICE?
WHAT TAKES PLACE DURING A FUNERAL SERVICE?
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CEMETERY?
Upon returning from the cemetery, a Shiva candle is placed on the memorial plaque, provided by Chicago Jewish Funerals, and is lit immediately. The family has a meal prepared for them (meal of condolence) by friends, and the family should eat before anyone else. Tradition calls for the inclusion of round foods such as hard boiled eggs, to signify the cyclical nature of life. The word Shiva comes from the Hebrew word for seven. For more information on Shiva customs, click here.