Saturday, 4 May 2019

Rules Of Etiquette To Uphold During A Rabbi Funeral

By Harold Lee


According to the funeral practices of Jews, a loved one is burred about 24 hours after they pass on. This makes it unusual to have a viewing ceremony or even wakes. Before the service begins, family members practice Keriah, which involves tearing a visible piece of cloth or black ribbons in honor of the life of the deceased. This also symbolizes their grief during a rabbi funeral.

In case you are not a Jew, it certainly is important for you to know what to expect during the funeral and also what is expected of you. First, it is okay to be there for your friend, though it is adequate to say less or even nothing at all to the mourners. Even if a mourner engages you, choose to say as little as possible and perhaps focus on finding out more about the deceased.

You also want to select your dress code wisely. In this case, just be fairly decent, perhaps in a smart casual outfit. Also avoid wearing heels, especially if you will be attending the graveside ceremony. In case you really need to offer your condolences to the grieving family, get to the service minutes ahead of time and do so. Jews leave the chapel for the graveyard directly or the graveyard for their homes and it is not polite to hold them back with greetings and the rest.

It is okay to sit in the chapel and speak in low tones before the service begins. The idea is to maintain a low key and this is a rule you do not want to forget even if you hook up with your buddies. Additionally, put your phone aside and switch it off once the service starts.

Those attending the funeral can just sit down and listen. Participate or respond appropriately during prayers and psalms and also as the eulogy is read. The Jews celebrate the life of the deceased and you should not be shocked in case funny stories are told about the loved one during the service. Light moments of laughter are common even as family and friends mourn one of their own.

Rabbi final services often take place in a chapel and not at the graveside. In case you are not a close family member of the deceased, there is no need for you to attend the graveside service. After all, lowering the casket will only take about ten minutes. There will be limited chairs, and these are mainly meant for the mourners.

Jews host a Shiva about seven days after the funeral. If you choose to attend the home gathering, again, the most important thing is your presence and it is okay to stay for half an hour or less before leaving. Bringing some food with you is a good gesture because it will save the family from shopping and cooking as they grieve. Simply avoid meat and shellfish and play safe if you do not know the Jewish food laws.

Jews do good when they are alive and you may not want to indulge in talk about the afterlife. You can refer to the eternity of ones soul and period. Flowers are also not a common sight in traditional Jewish funerals and if you want to show a kind gesture, it is okay to make a donation in the memory of the dead.




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