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The eulogy (Greek for “nice words” or “praise”) or hesped (Hebrew for “beating the breast”) is among the most important elements in a funeral service. It should offer praise but not excessive praise, evoke the deceased’s essential qualities and virtues, passions, interests and hobbies, community involvements and contributions, and ...
Introduction. A Jewish funeral is a sacred rite and should be invested with both dignity and simplicity as taught by Jewish tradition. The family of the deceased should consult the Rabbi when death occurs. Preplanning is encouraged. (See 7.12 of this GUIDE)
After a few brief prayers, the next observance of the day is levaya, accompanying the dead to his or her final resting place. This element of the funeral is so important that the entire funeral is called a “levaya” (“accompaniment” in Hebrew). Make sure to accompany the casket for at least four cubits (six feet).
Place a pitcher of water, a basin, and towel outside the front door to be used by funeral returnees before they enter the home. (All Jewish cemeteries have water spouts/basins at the gate so that those leaving the cemetery may stop and wash their hands, a traditional act of purification.)
Jewish funerals can take place in a variety of locations. Some funerals are exclusively graveside; others occur in multiple locations-starting at the synagogue, or a funeral home, and then processing to the cemetery.
The funeral service is a brief and simple service designed primarily as yekara d'schichba--for the honor and dignity of the deceased. The worthy values he lived by, the good deeds he performed, and the noble aspects of his character are eulogized.
The Hebrew word for a funeral is levayah, “accompaniment” as it is a mitzvah to walk behind the bier, giving honor and dignity to the deceased. It is also a mitzvah to cover the body with dirt, something that should not be left for non-Jewish laborers.
