O level Notes : FRS - Death and funeral rites in Judaism

Death and funeral rites

The dead body is cleansed by the ‘Holy Society’, an organisation of volunteers from the community known as, ‘Chevra kadisha’. The Jewish custom is that burial of the dead takes place in less than 24 hours. Mourning the dead goes on up to a week, normally by the relatives of the deceased.

(a) Tearing of the garment

When a Jew dies, a custom of tearing the garment is done. This is because tearing of the garment is an expression of pain and sorrow over the passing on of a close relative or beloved one. It is part of the mourning process. This tearing of a garment has a deeper meaning. Death is viewed as tragedy in Judaism and a loss shows the feeling of separation. The Jews mourn for seven days followed by a year of mourning. Tearing of the garment is done with a dual symbolism. Firstly, it shows great loss and that the hearts of the mourners are torn. Secondly, the body is a garment which the souls wears and death strip off the soul of its clothes hence the tearing of the garment to show the separation of the body and the soul.

(b) Shiva ritual

Shiva is a seven days period of mourning  for close relatives like parents, spouses, children and siblings of the person who has died. It is the third stage in the stages of mourning  in Judaism. It’s a stage where individuals within the family can start to discuss the loss and accept the comfort of others. At the funeral, mourners wear an outer garment or ribbon that is torn during the procession (keriah). This garment is worn throughout  Shiva and mourners remain at home while friends and relatives visit mourners to pay their condolences and give them comfort. Shiva is a ritual which allows mourners to express their sorrow, discuss the loss of their beloved one and provide the opportunity to join the wider society.

(c) Shloshim ritual

The period of thirty days following the burial and period of mourning by all relatives other than the father and mother is called Shloshim. During  this bereavement period, the mourner is not allowed to marry or attend a religious festival meal. Men are also not permitted to shave or have haircuts during this period. During Shloshim the following practices are done:

• sitting on a low stool.
• remaining indoors.
• wearing non-leather shoes.
• abstaining from marital relations.
• prohibition of work.
• prohibition of the studying of the Torah.

(d) Shaving of the hair ritual

Shaving hair is a ritual that is conducted in Judaism. When mourning the loss of relatives who are not parents, haircuts are not permitted until the end of the Shloshim while mourning of a parent prohibits the cutting of hair for twelve months. The non-removal of hair in Judaism is a sign of mourning.

Importance of death rituals

• Death rituals are done to give a befitting send-off to the deceased.
• Jews believe that death rituals sustain the spirit of the bereaved.
• Rituals are done in anticipation of the resurrection.