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?

Pallbearers may carry the casket to the grave. Some people follow the Jewish tradition that calls for the casket to stop seven times on the way to the grave. This is generally determined by the clergy. After final prayers are said, the burial takes place. Here family and friends are invited to shovel earth into the grave. This final act helps mourners with acceptance and closure. El Maleh Rachamim is then recited by the clergy. Mourners recite the Mourner’s Kaddish. The Kaddish is not a prayer of death, but a reaffirmation of life. This prayer is traditionally recited for 11 months less one day for parents. For a list of Jewish prayers, click here.

WHEN DOES A FUNERAL TAKE PLACE?

The funeral takes place without any unnecessary delay. Naturally, if people are coming in from out of town, or other issues arise, the service may have to be delayed.

WHAT ARE THE PREPARATIONS?

If the family wishes, there may be the Tahara, the ritual washing and purification. The deceased can be dressed in Tachrichim, the traditional burial garments. The simple white garment is meant to signify that we are all equal in death and we are judged on our merits and deeds, not material possessions. Some families wish to have a Shomer, a Hebrew word meaning “guard”, who sits with the deceased until the time of the funeral.

WHAT IS A KRIAH CEREMONY?

At some point during the funeral, a piece of clothing or a black ribbon is torn and worn as an expression of one’s grief. If the person is mourning the death of a parent, the ribbon/cloth is worn on their left side, over the person’s heart. All other relatives in mourning, which includes siblings, spouse and parents, wear the ribbon/cloth on their right side.

SHOULD CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN A FUNERAL SERVICE?

Children are always welcome at Chicago Jewish Funerals. Many experts agree that children can attend a funeral service at a young age. They suggest if a child is old enough to talk, he/she is old enough to ask if they want to attend. However, we understand that sometimes a child must leave the service. At the funeral home, we have room (with coloring books and crayons) where a child can sit. While in this room, the funeral service (if desired) may be viewed and broadcast on a television monitor.

WHAT TAKES PLACE DURING A FUNERAL SERVICE?

The service may consist of Psalms, Scripture readings and a eulogy. Today, there may be more personalization of the service. Several family members, in addition to the clergy, may be asked to speak. Discuss this with the officiating clergy.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CEMETERY?

The family and friends return home to “sit Shiva”. The tradition calls for a bowl of water and cup to be placed outside the home for visitors to cleanse themselves–metaphorically–as they return from a place of death to a place of life.

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.

HOW DO YOU SELECT A CASKET?

Keep in mind what is aesthetically acceptable, and affordable. The traditional casket is made entirely of wood. The type of casket selected is a family decision. Our funeral directors can help you make the best decision for your family. Caskets may be viewed online (click here) or at our locations.