Jewish Grieving Process?

Question

Is the Jewish grieving process any different than a Catholic grieving process would be? How long? Are there any special ceremonies that take place?

Answer 1

In addition to what other folks have written, there is no open casket and burial traditionally takes place within 24 hours, although this last rule gets bent a lot. There are no flowers at the funeral. Instead of flowers, bring food to the home and/or make a donation to a charity that would be meaningful to the deceased.

I recommend the book "How to Be a Perfect Stranger" as a good guide to life cycle events in various religions.

Answer 2

The process actually begins right when one hears of the death, but the more well known practices begin after the funeral. There is a 7 day mourning period during which the mourner stays at home and receives visitors. A candle is lit, special prayer services are held and mirrors are covered. While this mourning is paused for the duration of the sabbath and may be shortened by certain holidays, it is an integral part of grieving. The first 30 days after death are also a mourning period and the end of them is marked usually with a communal event. After 11 months, certain prayers for the dead are no longer said by the mourner daily and after a year, there is often an unveiling of a headstone at the grave,

Answer 3

I dont know how catholics do it but the jewish process involves seven days of intense mourning where you dont leave the house then a month of less intense mourning like you dont cut your hair and then the rest of the first year where you dont like go to concerts and parties etc. this is a highly shortened version and you should ask a/your rabbi.

Answer 4

traditionally for a week there is no TV (granted that doesn't date back to Moses's day), all mirrors are covered and the closest family wear clothes with a tear in them.

Answer 5

Only difference is a pizza doesn't scream when you put it in the oven

Answer 6

renew each day

the act of creation