Jewish Funeral Service Guide

Jewish Funeral Traditions Overview

Jewish funeral services and mourning practices are deeply rooted in Jewish law (halakha) and centuries of tradition. The focus is on honoring the deceased, comforting the bereaved, and affirming the continuity of life and community.

Jewish mourning has distinct phases: the funeral itself, Shiva (seven days of intense mourning), and Kaddish (prayer for the deceased).

Structure of a Jewish Funeral Service

Our 7-page Jewish funeral template includes:

1. Opening & El Malei Rachamim Prayer — The traditional prayer asking God's mercy for the deceased's soul
2. Psalm Readings — Usually Psalm 23 or Psalm 121, offering comfort to mourners
3. Eulogy (Hesped) — A tribute highlighting the person's character, deeds, and relationships
4. Committal & Grave-side Prayer — As the body is committed to the earth
5. Mourner's Kaddish — The central prayer for mourners, affirming God's greatness
6. Tearing of Garments (Keriah) — Symbolic act of tearing cloth, expressing grief
7. Consolation & Final Words — Comforting words for the bereaved

Key Prayers & Traditions

El Malei Rachamim (God Full of Mercy)

"God full of mercy, dwelling on high, grant perfect rest beneath the wings of the Divine presence, to the soul of [name], who has gone to his/her eternal home..."

This prayer commits the soul to God's care and is central to Jewish funeral services.

Mourner's Kaddish (Kaddish Yatom)

The Mourner's Kaddish is one of Judaism's most important prayers. Recited by mourners during the service and for the following year (11 months, or 30 days for others), it affirms faith in God despite grief.

Yit'gadal v'yit'kadash sh'mei raba... (May His great name be magnified and sanctified...)

Keriah (Tearing of Garments)

Close family members tear their clothing or wear a torn ribbon, symbolizing the tearing apart of family bonds and expressing raw grief.

Important Jewish Mourning Customs

Shiva (Seven Days)

After the funeral, close family observes Shiva for seven days, a period of intense mourning at home. During Shiva:

• The family sits low on small benches
• Mirrors are covered
• The community gathers each evening to pray Kaddish together
• No work, entertainment, or grooming is permitted
• Friends and family bring meals and offer support

Sheloshim (Thirty Days)

The period following Shiva extends to 30 days total. While less intense than Shiva, mourning continues with Kaddish recitation and restrictions on celebration.

Yahrzeit (Anniversary of Death)

Each year on the Hebrew calendar anniversary of death, the deceased's name is remembered. A candle is lit, and Kaddish may be recited.

Psalms & Hebrew Elements

Jewish funerals typically include:

• Psalm 23 — "The Lord is my shepherd" (in Hebrew and English)
• Psalm 121 — "I lift up my eyes to the hills" (in Hebrew and English)
• Kaddish — Recited in Aramaic and Hebrew
• El Malei Rachamim — The prayer for the deceased (Hebrew and English)

Our template provides both Hebrew and English transliterations so all mourners can participate, regardless of language abilities.

The Role of the Rabbi

Your rabbi will:

• Lead the funeral service
• Provide guidance on observing Shiva and Sheloshim
• Help prepare the eulogy
• Facilitate community prayers during mourning
• Offer spiritual support to the family

Personalizing Your Jewish Order of Service

1. Write a Meaningful Hesped (Eulogy)

Share stories that illustrate the person's character — their kindness, humor, strength, and how they touched others' lives. A Jewish eulogy celebrates the person while affirming that their memory will live on.

2. Include Meaningful Psalms

Beyond Psalm 23, you might include passages that held meaning for the deceased or that capture their spirit.

3. Add Personal Prayers or Wishes

Many families include a personal prayer, blessing, or blessing about their loved one's legacy.

4. Honor Hebrew or Yiddish Heritage

Include transliteration of Hebrew prayers and, if appropriate, phrases in Yiddish that the person spoke or valued.

5. Note About Shiva Observance

Your order of service can include information about when and where Shiva will be observed, helping guests know how to offer continued support.

Important Considerations

• Timing: Jewish funerals should occur within 24 hours of death when possible
• Attendance: The funeral is open to all, but attendance at Shiva is by family invitation
• Flowers: Not typically given; charitable donations in the person's name are preferred
• Sitting Shiva: Plan where your family will sit Shiva and when the community will gather to pray

Creating Your Jewish Order of Service

Our Jewish funeral template is structured to honor Jewish traditions:

1. Add your loved one's Hebrew name (if known) and English name
2. Include the name of parents as per Jewish tradition
3. Work with your rabbi on psalms, prayers, and readings
4. Write a meaningful eulogy or tribute
5. Include Shiva details and information
6. Print with Hebrew and English text side by side

Create Your Jewish Funeral Order of Service →