All About Using A Rabbi Funeral

By Betty Murray


It is never a pleasant situation finding oneself in when someone close passes away. A Rabbi funeral will be needed if the person was Jewish and this involves a wide range of to dos in order to get it done the proper way. There is a lot that must be abided by and a step by step process that needs doing to ensure that it goes off without a hitch.

There is a lot that goes into proceedings such as this from watching the body to washing it and preparing it for burial. When a Jew dies, someone called a shomer watches the body and at the same time says prayers from the book of Tehillim or Psalms. It is said that the soul remains connected to the body up until the time of burial and so a watchman is appointed so that the soul of the departed does not become stressed.

It is a special mitzvah or duty to wash the body and prepare it for burial. This is carried out by volunteers in the community and is considered a great act of kindness. After this the body is put in a modest coffin usually made of pine and is placed on a wheeled plinth in readiness for burial.

A eulogy is customary in some communities and if not, and something one wants to do, the Rabbi can be asked for permission to do so. It is also customary to tear the clothing of the mourners as a sign that they are in mourning so it is a good idea to wear something old. This has been done for centuries and something that has been handed down through the ages.

After a few words are spoken by the Rabbi, pallbearers are called upon to accompany the coffin to the gravesite. This honor is granted to close friends and family as they are called out as the procession proceeds to the gravesite. This is an honor and a sad emotional part of the journey to the burial site.

Apart from this it allows friends and family time to reflect on the life that was. The grave itself must be dug to certain specifications as dictated by law. Once at the site the coffin is lowered without delay in so keeping with practices of this nature. Further prayers are said and it is covered as soon as possible without delay.

Sons or Fathers are called upon to say a prayer called Kaddish in remembrance of the departed. The process of the whole ceremony can be discussed with a Rabbi who is well versed in ceremonies such as this. One should consult with the community as to who to get in contact with when this sort of need arises.

If one is not used to or does not know too much about these sorts of ceremonies then it is a must to consult with people who know. Laws must be adhered to and the only person who will know is this type of person. All in all it is a sad time and it is made easier in knowing that all was done correctly.




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