Traditional Jewish Funerals

The Jewish community is diverse but their funeral traditions have more similarities than differences. Members of this community may request something different from a funeral home in Bronx, NY depending on whether they are Sephardic or Ashkenazi Jews. The funerals have many differences from Christian ones too. Here are some of the things to expect in a Jewish funeral.

Preparation Of The Body Is Done By Other Jewish People

The handling of a body is a big deal in Jewish tradition because they consider the body to be a holy vessel. Only people belonging to the Jewish community are allowed to prepare the body for burial. They prepare the body immediately after death by washing it with cold water while reading sections from the Hebrew Bible. The body is washed for a second time and then wrapped in simple linen or muslin garments. But you are allowed to dress the body in a modest dress or suit.

Guarding Of The Body

People volunteer to “guard” the body from the time of death until the funeral. “Guarding” refers to sitting with the deceased while reading psalms until the burial. This tradition is referred to as “Shmira” and the person guarding the body is called a “shomer”. Keep in mind that a Jewish funeral happens within 24 hours after the death of a loved one. That means that each volunteer probably “guards” the body for less than a couple of hours depending on how many people volunteer. Only people from the Jewish community are allowed to guard the body.

Jewish Funeral Service Characteristics

Unlike other religious funeral services, a Jewish funeral service can take place at a funeral home, synagogue, or even at the graveside. The casket remains closed during the funeral service and flowers and music are not allowed. During the service, there are readings from the scriptures, which are explained briefly by a rabbi either in English or Hebrew. Mourners are ushered into the service after everyone is seated and can only greet attendees after the burial. After the family of the deceased is seated in the front row, the person officiating the service chants or reads Biblical passages and then says a silent prayer.

The Rabbi Or Cantor Delivers The Eulogy

A eulogy in Jewish tradition is meant to honor the life of the deceased and comfort the family. The rabbi meets the family and other loved ones to talk about the life of the deceased. They often ask the family to share any interesting stories about the deceased. The rabbi or cantor uses this information to come up with a eulogy that the family of the deceased will appreciate. Family members or close friends may be allowed to speak during the service, but only if their remarks are brief and written down. After the service, the deceased is buried in a simple wooden casket.

You can always ask a funeral home whether they provide Jewish funeral services when you are looking for funeral and cremation services in Bronx, NY. Our staff has years of experience and will answer any questions you may have.

How To Choose A Funeral Director

After the death of a loved one, you will need to find a funeral home in Bronx, NY with an experienced funeral director that can help you take the next necessary steps. Death happens all around you all the time but when you lose a loved one, the pain can be so intense that you may have trouble planning the funeral. At this vulnerable moment in your life, you need a funeral director that is interested in helping you bid farewell to your loved one in a fitting.

Key Takeaways

A funeral director plans the service while taking into account your wishes. He/she takes your loved one to the funeral home and prepares the body for service. Some of the main criteria in choosing a funeral director is, first, their years in service. A professional funeral director should have at least a decade of experience. Second, experienced funeral directors often have a network that includes counselors, religious leaders, support groups, and other resources you may need after a funeral. Lastly, check for online reviews that mention the funeral director or the funeral staff. It can help you in making decision and give you peace of mind once you have left your loved one in their hands.

What A Funeral Director Does

Generally, a funeral director’s main duty is to plan a funeral without straying too far away from your wishes. All you need to do is to let the funeral director handle every detail of the funeral or cremation so that you can have breathing space. The funeral director takes your loved one to the funeral home and prepares the body for a funeral or a cremation. He or she also handles all the logistics of the funeral and the funeral service. To know whether you have found the right funeral home, ask the funeral director these four questions.

Ask Them To Tell You About Their Years Of Experience

A professional funeral director should have at least a decade of experience. Experienced funeral directors are more likely to view their work as a service or ministry that they provide to their community. Their approach is to answer your questions, serve your family, and lend a hand whenever you need help. They comfort and guide you before any discussions about business begin.

Look For Recent Customer Reviews On Their Website

Before you look at the reviews online, speak to family and friends and get their input about the funeral home you intend to use. After that you can go to the funeral home’s website and look specifically at the reviews that mention the funeral director or the staff. That will not only make it easier to make a decision but will also give you peace of mind once you have left your loved one in their hands.

Inquire If They Offer Any Services After The Funeral

Experienced funeral directors often have a network that includes counselors, religious leaders, support groups, and other resources you may need after a funeral. It is normal to feel overwhelmed with emotions after you bid farewell to your loved one. You need the help of a support group or a counselor to help you cope if you are in this situation.

Find Out How Much Everything Will Cost

Price is determined by whether you want a burial or cremation. There are more than three options under the cremation services provided by a funeral home and they vary in cost. A burial means you have to factor in the cost of embalming, staging, funeral service, and land where the burial will take place.

Our funeral home offers a variety of cremation services in Bronx, NY. Our staff is always happy to answer any question, and you can talk to the funeral director about any concerns you have.