Jewish How-To
How to Bless the Children
Blessing the children on a Friday night is a nice Jewish custom that is practiced by many parents to bring spirituality into their families. There are many different customs practiced by different families in blessing their children. In some families, only the father gives the blessing, in others both parents. Some parents give the blessings in unison while in some, ...
Read MoreHow to Get Up From Shiva
Getting up from Shiva refers to the conclusion of the seven day period of mourning after a loved one has passed away. The last day of Shiva is a time which reminds the mourners to move on to shloshim, a less intense 30 days of mourning.During the last day of Shiva, Shacharit services starts earlier than usual. After the morning ...
Read MoreHow to Observe Shloshim
Shloshim is a 30 day period of mourning following an intense week of Shiva. Some of the restrictions observed during the shiva week do not apply to shloshim anymore. Mourners can now leave the house and resume working. However, they are still restricted from attending social gatherings and festive occasions. They should also refrain from having a haircut and shaving ...
Read MoreVisiting a Jewish Gravesite
Visiting the gravesite is a way of showing our respect to the departed. While visiting the cemetery anytime after the grave marker has been erected is allowed, there are certain days when it is appropriate to visit the graves of our loved ones. It is especially appropriate to visit on the last (7th) day of Shiva, on shloshim, after 12 ...
Read MoreHow to Unveil a Jewish Tombstone
Even in the past, it was already part of Jewish custom to mark the grave of a loved one with a tombstone. In Genesis 35:20, Jacob built a tombstone for the grave of his wife Rachel. The purpose of erecting a tombstone is to indicate where a dead loved one is buried. It is also a way of honoring the ...
Read MoreHow to Celebrate Yahrtzeit
Jews celebrate death anniversaries solemnly. Yahrzeit rituals allow mourners to honor the memory of the deceased. During Yahrzeit, we allow ourselves to re-experience the pain of losing our loved one while at the same time celebrating the life they lived .Light a Yahrzeit candle at sundown on the night before Yahrzeit. A Yahrzeit candle is a memorial candle traditionally lit to honor ...
Read MoreDeath and Afterlife in Judaism
Jews view death not as a tragedy but rather a part of life and of God’s plan. The Jewish faith believes in an afterlife in which the deceased’s soul will dwell in a place where they will be rewarded or punished depending on how they have lived their life here on earth.Death is a means of being reunited with one’s ancestors. ...
Read MoreHow to Plant a Tree in Israel to Memorialize a Dead Jewish Loved One
One of many ways to pay respect to the death of a Jewish loved one is to plant trees in his honor. By contacting the Jewish National Fund, a tree will be planted to memorialize your loved one. JNF offers memorial certificates to honor your deceased loved one.Visit the Jewish National Fund website. If you already have an account, access ...
Read MoreHow to Observe the Yizkor Service
Yizkor is recited four times a year as part of the memorial service. It is recited after reading the Torah on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, on the last day of Passover, and on the second day of Shavuot. Some synagogues say Yizkor for those who died during the holocaust before the private Yizkor prayers.Light a Yartzeit candle in the afternoon before ...
Read MoreThe Jewish Way of Mourning
The Jewish way of mourning provides us a way to face our grief while at the same time help those who are grieving. The Jewish mourning tradition is based on two principles: Kavod Hamet (paying respect to the deceased) and Nichum Avelim (giving comfort to the mourners).The body of the deceased should be treated with utmost respect. There are three ...
Read MoreJewish Memorial Gifts
Jewish funerals are unique in a way that it involves honoring the deceased while at the same time offering comfort to the mourners. Offering memorial gifts during this time is a great way to show the mourners your support and and to pay respect to the deceased.Jewish customs discourage sending flowers to the mourners. Instead of flowers, you can give ...
Read MoreGuidelines in Planning a Jewish Funeral Service
A Jewish funeral service is usually short and simple. The funeral service may be held at the funeral home, at the grave site or in the synagogue. Arranging a Jewish funeral service is easy when you know the details to consider.Seek the help of the Hevra Kadisha. A Hevra Kadisha is a burial society who will arrange to gather and ...
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