Describe what happens at a Jewish funeral and explain how these practices reflect belief about life after death.

... Death. A) Describe what happens at a Jewish funeral and explain how these practices reflect belief about life after death. At a Jewish funeral a candle is placed by the deceased and they are never left alone. The reason the body is not left alone is because the soul stays near the body after its separation and is aware of the love and respect for its body. Shomrim, those who stay with the deceased, are assigned to stay and say prayers over the body on a 24-hour basis so that the holy prayers comfort the soul. The body is cleansed, washed thoroughly from head to toe (Taharah). The faces of the deceased are not allowed to face down out of respect for the deceased. The body is then dried, everything is done by the members of the Burial Society and they also dress the deceased in a plain white, simple, handmade, clean shrouds

want to read more? →