Death
From the moment of death until a body is buried, Jewish law and tradition are based entirely on honoring the dead. Gestures of respect include closing the eyes and mouth of the deceased, lighting a candle as a symbol of their souls, and opening a window so that the soul may be released. Jewish tradition dictates that the body should not be left alone from the time of death until burial which usually takes place within 24-hours or as soon as possible. Customarily, someone is always by the side of the deceased to read prayers and psalms. This can be a family member, friends, or a shomer, a "watcher" who does not leave the side of the deceased until burial.

Autopsies -Autopsies are not generally permitted by Jewish law as they are seen as a desecration of the body and abrogation of respect. However, the rabbinic principle that saving a life takes precedence over most other laws, by extension, autopsies, organ donation and donation of the body for medical research may be done. These are usually discussed on a case-by-case basis with a rabbi.

Customs - Other customs may include not eating or drinking in the same room with the deceased so as not to "embarrass" the dead person who can no longer do these things. Another custom may be to cover mirrors in the room and throughout the home so that the soul cannot see other family members and take them with him.

Tahara - Before the body is buried, it is washed in a careful ritual act of purification called tahara to ensure that the body leaves this world as clean and pure as it entered it. Some are dressed in simple white cotton or linen shrouds, while others may be buried in their typical daily dress, sometimes their talit wrapped about their shoulders. It is customary to cut off one of the fringes of the talit to show that it will never be used again.

"Hevra Kaddisha" - The ritual cleansing is performed by trained funeral staff members or can be carried out by members of the "hevra kaddisha" ("holy society"), a group of specially trained Jews who care for and prepare the body for burial. Very strict procedures are followed including the recitation of prayers and psalms. Out of respect for the deceased, only men handle male bodies and women prepare female bodies; modesty is preserved even in death.

Funeral Service
Jewish tradition places great importance on how the dead are buried. The Bible states that the dead should be buried the same day as death and is considered an important way of honoring the dead. The early rabbis believed that final atonement depended in part on returning dust to dust without delay. Other rules dictate that funerals may not be held on Shabbat or festival days. Neither the rabbi nor the cemetery workers may bury the dead. It must be done by the bereaved family and assisted by the community, in this most important mitzvah of bringing the dead to their final resting place. There are exceptions for other delays which should be consulted with your rabbi.

Kriah & Burial- At the grave site, mourners are seated before the grave. Kriah, the rending of a black ribbon or garment is performed by the rabbi as an expression of grief and anger at the loss of a loved one. The casket is lowered and the Mourner’s Kaddish recited. Mourners are invited to fulfill the mitzvah of burying the dead, and take turns shoveling dirt into the grave. Another custom is not to pass the shovel from hand to hand, "lest death be contagious." Cemetery workers may complete the job. It is also tradition to wash the hands upon leaving the cemetery.

Memorial Candle
It is traditional to light a Shiva seven-day Memorial candle upon returning home from the funeral. The candle should be placed in a public area seen by all who enter your home. The rabbi or funeral home will often provide this candle.

Kaddish/Minyans
After the burial, mourners return home (or, ideally, to the home of the deceased) to sit shiva for seven days. Shiva is simply the Hebrew word for seven. During the shiva week, mourners are expected to remain at home in mourning. There are seven relatives for whom a Jew is required to observe shiva: father or mother, sister or brother, son or daughter, and spouse. Families may choose to hold a minyan to recite Kaddish at home with family and close friends, or arrangements may be made to hold a minyan at the Temple. The name of the your loved one will be recited at the first Friday night service after his or her death.

Memorial Service
A Memorial Service is traditionally held for someone who dies at a distant location or under circumstances that many are unable to attend the funeral service and wish to pay tribute. Memorial services may be held at the cemetery, synagogue or other neutral location and the Mourner’s Kaddish recited.

Yahrzeit
Each year on the anniversary of a death, a 24-hour Yahrzeit memorial candle by family members and placed in a public place of honor in memory of the deceased. It is lit at sundown before the anniversary. Your loved one’s name will also be recited on the Shabbat that falls during the week of the yahrzeit. A notice is sent to all families you list with the Temple. In addition, for those who have purchased Yahrzeit plaques, a light will illuminated next to your loved ones name during the week of the anniversary of his or her death.

Yizkor
Four times a year, there is a special memorial service held in remembrance of all of our deceased loved ones. This takes place on Yom Kippur afternoon and the mornings of the seventh day of the holidays of Sukkot and Passover, and the morning of Shavuot.

Unveiling or Dedication of Tombstone
It is traditional that a grave stone be laid and dedicated within the first year after the deceased’s death. Mourners recite the Kaddish and other prayers in a short service to dedicate the marker and remember their loved one.