Jewish Funeral Glossary

Aron (A-rone)

The burial casket. Jewish burial requires a wooden casket in keeping with the Biblical teaching “For dust art thou and to the dust thou shalt return” (Genesis 3:19).

Cantor

A religious singer, or Chazan, who assists the clergy.

Chesed shel Emet

Acts of True Kindness.

El Malei Rachamin

A memorial prayer (Northern European tradition).

Hashcabah

A memorial prayer (Iberian tradition).

Hesped

A eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased’s life that is part of the funeral service.

Kaddish

A prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners for the first time at the conclusion of the interment service.

Kavod-Ha-Met

Honoring the Dead.

Keriah (Kree-ah)

The practice of rending or cutting a garment, or symbolically wearing a cut black ribbon over the heart, to indicate that one is in mourning. Those observing keriah are generally adult children, father, mother, brother, sister or spouse of the deceased.

Kvurah B’kara (Kvoo-rah B’kar-kah)

Burial in the ground. Biblical mandate requires burial in the ground, filling the grave completely until a mound is formed. Participation in filling the grave is a religious privilege and duty and an expression of honor for the deceased. Above ground burial is an option you may discuss with the funeral director.

Levaya

The funeral procession (Northern European tradition).

Magen David (Star of David)

A hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles, also called the Jewish Star.

Menorah

A candelabrum with a central stem bearing seven candles; the oldest symbol in Judaism.

Met

Deceased.

Yarmulke/Kippah

The skull cap worn by the men at synagogue/temple services and funeral services.

Yahrzeit

The anniversary of the death.

Tehillim

Prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer, from the book of Psalms.

Tallith

A prayer shawl worn by men during the morning prayer service.

Taharah (Ta-ha-rah)

The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity. Performed by trained members of the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society). In accordance with Jewish traditional law, men prepare men, while women prepare women.

Mitzvah

Commandment.

Tachrichim (Takh-ree-kheem)

The burial shroud. A full set of traditional white clothing, preferably made of linen. Includes hat, shirt, pants, jacket, belt and wrapping sheet. This garment symbolizes equality and purity.

Shomer

A watcher; one who sits with the body until burial. The shomer traditionally recites psalms.

Shemira (Shmee-rah)

The watching of remains. To show respect to the departed, the deceased is never left alone until after burial.

Shiva (Shee-vah)

The traditional seven-day mourning period immediately following burial, observed by the bereaved.

Sheloshim (sh’losh-sheem)

The thirty days following burial (including shiva).

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath; begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday.

Sargenes

A hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased members of the Jewish faith are dressed.

Rechitzah

The ceremony of washing the deceased before burial.

Rabbi

A teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith.

Yizkor

A memorial prayer