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Memorial Funeral Services
By Carole Galassi
The Jewish funeral services vary somewhat depending on
the different branches of Orthodox, Conservative, and
Reformed. Overall, the funeral ceremony is just the
beginning instead of the ending of ceremonies. The
Jewish funeral services are actually only about twenty
minutes in length.
The service consists of prayers that praise life and
declare the life of the deceased. Jewish families
sometimes prefer that a donation be given in lieu of
flowers. Traditionally, the family will remain at home
for seven days following the funeral service (called the
Shiva). Family and friends visit the family during this
time to offer their support. This time is used to share
feelings and share special memories together.
An observance period follows for thirty days after the
service which mourners resume their normal day-to-day
activities, say certain prayers, and refrain from
attending any place for entertainment. The kaddish is a
prayer that is said for the eleven months following the
funeral. Some families attend services everyday to honor
their loved one and join the community of other bereaved
families for support.
The gravestone marker from a Jewish funeral is actually
revealed months or even a year after the funeral service
and gives family and friends to gather and remember the
deceased. The deceased person's name is also read aloud
in the synagogue on the anniversary of their death.
To create a Jewish memorial service program, you can use
a template to assist in the creation. Photos of the
deceased as well as prayers, special memories, scripture
readings may be placed in this program as a special
keepsake of remembrance.
There is a beautiful Jewish funeral program template
available at The Funeral Programs Site. This website
offers printable funeral programs and funeral prayer
cards that highlight your loved one's life, obituary
help, poems, readings, and scripture verses. |
