Jewish Funeral Services

The Jewish funeral services vary somewhat depending on the different branches of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed. Overall, the funeral ceremony is just the beginning instead of the ending of ceremonies. The Jewish funeral services are actually only about twenty minutes in length.

The service consists of prayers that praise life and declare the life of the deceased. Jewish families sometimes prefer that a donation be given in lieu of flowers. Traditionally, the family will remain at home for seven days following the funeral service (called the Shiva). Family and friends visit the family during this time to offer their support. This time is used to share feelings and share special memories together.

An observance period follows for thirty days after the service which mourners resume their normal day-to-day activities, say certain prayers, and refrain from attending any place for entertainment. The kaddish is a prayer that is said for the eleven months following the funeral. Some families attend services everyday to honor their loved one and join the community of other bereaved families for support.

The gravestone marker from a Jewish funeral is actually revealed months or even a year after the funeral service and gives family and friends to gather and remember the deceased. The deceased person’s name is also read aloud in the synagogue on the anniversary of their death.

To create a Jewish memorial service program, you can use a template to assist in the creation. Photos of the deceased as well as prayers, special memories, scripture readings may be placed in this program as a special keepsake of remembrance.