Jewish Funeral Dictionary
Aninut: This often refers to the grieving time period from the time of death until burial.
Aron: A Hebrew word referring to a Jewish casket which is made entirely out of wood. Also a Jewish casket is sometimes referred to as a kosher casket.
Aveilut: This is a Hebrew word that refers to bereavement.
Bais Hakevorous: The burial grounds or cemetery
Bar Minen: The term used to refer to a deceased man.
Bat Minen: The term used to refer to a deceased woman.
Cantor: An individual who sings and chants during the funeral service.
Chesed Shel Emet: A Hebrew term that translates to mean “the truest act of kindness”. It is often used to refer to the work of the Chevra Kadisha.
Chevra Kadisha: This term literally translates to “holy society”. This is a group of volunteers who help prepare the body for burial.
El Malei Rachamim: Literally translates to mean “God full of compassion”. It is often the last prayer of the funeral ceremony.
Hesped: A eulogy
Kavod Ha'met: A general principle of the Jewish faith that requires the body of the deceased to be treated with the utmost respect.
Kever: The grave
Kittel: Another term used for the tachrichim.
Kevurah: Burial/interment
Leyava: The funeral procession Jewish Funeral Dictionary
Kriah: This translates to mean “tearing”. It is a Jewish funeral custom that takes place before the funeral service. It involves making a small tear to your clothes or wearing a black ribbon. The Kriah represents the pain and grief felt from the loss.
Matzevah: A Hebrew word used for grave monument.
Mitzvot: These are considered to be the Jewish commandments. Traditionally, Jews recognize 613 commandments. Some of these commandments apply to the burial and funeral process.
Mourner’s Kaddish: This is a prayer recited for the first time at the graveside service. It is then recited everyday for 11 months after the burial and then on the yearly anniversary of the death.
Nihum Avelim: This is a Hebrew term that refers to consoling and comforting those that are grieving.
Seudat Havra’ah: This is a meal of consolation that takes place after the graveside service has concluded. The rabbi, friends, or extended family should handle the preparation of the light meal. The food is simple and a traditional item is a hard-boiled egg because it represents the cycle of life.
Shiva: This refers to the first period of mourning for the immediate family. It is generally 7 days and takes place at the family’s home.
Shmira: This refers to the act of safeguarding or protecting the deceased’s body after death until burial.
Sholoshim: This refers to the 30-day mourning period after burial. After the initial 7 days (shiva), mourners can resume a normal routine but are asked to avoid festivities, limit social events, refrain from music, and are not to shave or cut their hair.
Shomer: The individual designated to watch over the deceased until the burial can occur.
Synagogue: The Jewish house of worship. Generally, families choose to have the funeral ceremony take place at a synagogue as opposed to the gravesite or at the funeral home.
Jewish Funeral Dictionary
Tachrichim: A white linen shroud which the deceased is placed in prior to burial. This shroud is used to dress the deceased instead of clothing.
Tahara: This is a Jewish tradition performed by the Chevra Kadisha in which the body is washed before burial. The purpose of this ritual is to cleanse and purify the body.
Tallit: A large rectangular prayer shawl that is either made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Men usually wear a tallit during funeral services.
Tehilim: A series of prayers from the Book of Psalms that are generally recited by attendees and the shomer before the funeral service begins.
Tzedakah: This refers to a charitable donation. Donations are often made since flowers are not permitted at Jewish funerals.
Yarhzeit: This term is Yiddish and translates to mean “time of year”. Essentially, it is the one-year anniversary of a loved one’s death.
Unveiling: A ceremony within the first year of a loved one’s passing where the family gathers at the gravesite for the placing of the tombstone. The ceremony can occur anytime after sholoshim and before yahrzeit.
Yizkor: A Hebrew term that means “remember”. It is a memorial prayer recited four times during the year.