Jewish Funerals
Jewish funerals have a long and rich tradition, following rituals and customs based on the Torah: the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. To this day, these funeral customs are closely observed by Orthodox Jews. Followers of Conservative or Reform Judaism also embrace the same customs with a few modifications.
Main Tenets of Jewish Funeral Customs
Jewish funeral customs are based on a few main tenets. They are:
A deceased person should be buried as soon as possible.
A shomer is selected to stay with the deceased person until burial; the shomer is often a relative, a friend, or a member of the synagogue. There may be multiple shomers, who stay with the deceased in shifts.
The body is washed, purified, and dressed by the Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society), using a ritual called Taharah.
After Tahara is complete, the body is placed in a biodegradable casket.
The funeral service is usually held at the funeral home or synagogue as soon as possible, and then the body is taken to the place of final rest. In the Houston area, the funeral service and interment take place all together within the Jewish Cemetery
After the burial, a reception is often held at the synagogue or at the bereaved family’s home. This is a time for friends and family to offer their love and support to surviving family members.
Following the conclusion of services, there is a 7-day mourning period called Shiva. During Shiva, the deceased’s family will stay at home and receive guests. Together, they will mourn, recite prayers, and reflect on their loss.
Our staff is well-trained in every aspect of Jewish funerals, and we are here to ensure that every tradition is honored and your loved one is treated with respect and dignity. Call us to learn more about how we can help you honor a loved one’s life through the Jewish funeral tradition.
Additional Resources
What is Jewish funeral etiquette? Read this article to learn more.
What are some traditional Jewish funeral customs? Read about these 10.
Abraham purchased a burial plot; should you do the same? And when should you consider purchasing a plot?
Can a person with tattoos or who died by suicide be buried in a Jewish cemetery? Watch this video to learn more.
Is cremation allowed within Jewish funeral customs? This video explains the broader teaching around burial and cremation for Jewish families.
Is Jewish burial also green burial? Learn why Jewish funerals are considered green and how they benefit the environment.
Are you familiar with the practice of Tahara? If you aren’t, watch this video to learn about this caring and respectful aspect of Jewish funerals.
For more information regarding prepaid funerals and consumer rights and protections under Texas state law, visit www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov.