Understanding Jewish funeral & mourning traditions
Plain-language guides co-authored and curated by our team, promoting Halachic fidelity, transparency and dignity in Jewish burial.
A Simple Guide to the Timeline of Jewish Mourning
From aninut to shiva, shloshim and the first Yahrzeit — what each stage means.
Read articleKaddish, El Malei Rachamim & the Psalms of Mourning
The words spoken at a Jewish funeral, and the strength they offer.
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Stones on Jewish Graves: Meaning & Tradition
Why visitors leave a small stone rather than flowers.
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How the Shiva Candle Brings Light and Comfort
The meaning behind the seven-day memorial candle.
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What Is a Jewish Funeral Like? A Guide for Non-Jews
What to expect, what to wear and how to offer comfort.
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No Flowers at Jewish Funerals: Tradition & Etiquette
Meaningful alternatives for honoring a loved one.
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What to Bring to a Jewish Shiva
A thoughtful guide for visitors to a house of mourning.
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Jewish Burial Practices: Myths & Traditions
Separating long-held customs from common misconceptions.
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Chesed Shel Emet: Honoring True Acts of Kindness
Why caring for the dead is the purest form of kindness.
Read articleSupport for the days ahead
Grief is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be honored. There is no right way and no timetable.
What is grief?
Grief is the natural response to loss — emotional, physical and spiritual. Understanding it can make it feel less overwhelming.
The grieving process
Shock, sorrow, anger and acceptance rarely arrive in order. Jewish mourning stages give structure to that path.
Allowing yourself to heal
Lean on community, accept help, and give yourself permission to remember with joy as well as sorrow.
Find the Hebrew date of passing
The Yahrzeit is observed on the anniversary of death according to the Hebrew calendar. Because the Jewish day begins at sundown, a passing after sunset falls on the next Hebrew date.
Looking for candle-lighting times? See our South Florida Shabbat & Havdalah times.
If a death has just occurred, we're here right now.
Call us at any hour. A funeral consultant will answer, guide you through the next steps and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care.