Jewish ObituaryJewish Funeral Traditions
A complete guide to Jewish funeral customs, from preparation and tahara through burial, with sources from Torah and Talmud.
Planning
Finding your way through a Jewish funeral
In the hours and days after a loss, decisions come quickly. This page gathers what to expect, organized by when you are likely to need it, with guides to go deeper on each step.
Jewish practice varies across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform communities, and by family custom. A funeral home or rabbi can help you apply the traditions below to your own situation.
Right away
In the hours after a loss
What Is a Chevra Kadisha?
The “holy society” that prepares the deceased for burial with dignity, and the sacred work of tahara.
Jewish Cemetery Customs and Etiquette
The customs of the Jewish cemetery and how visitors show proper respect at the graveside.
The days that follow
Shiva, kaddish, and the mourning period
Understanding Shiva
The seven-day mourning period: its biblical origins, Talmudic sources, denominational practices, customs, and how to make a shiva call.
Kaddish: The Mourner’s Prayer
The Mourner’s Kaddish in full, with transliteration, historical origins, and guidance on when and how it is recited.
Planning an Unveiling Ceremony
The dedication of a headstone, typically eleven to twelve months after burial, and how families plan the service.
Yahrzeit Explained
Commemorating a loved one’s Hebrew-calendar anniversary of death, with the candle, kaddish, and customs of remembrance.
Practical matters
Costs, and writing the obituary
Jewish Funeral Costs
What a traditional Jewish funeral typically involves financially, and how families can plan for the expenses with clarity.
How to Write a Meaningful Jewish Obituary
A step-by-step guide to honoring a loved one with a tribute that reflects their life and their Jewish heritage.
When you are ready
Find a funeral home near you
A funeral home can walk you through the arrangements and the religious decisions specific to your family and community.