Page 30 - Abraham L Green & Son Funeral Home

Jewish Customs and Traditions
Tahara the day until the conclusion of Yahrzeit at
The ceremony performed by the Chevra Kadisha of washing the deceased before the burial. This serves as a ritual purification of the deceased.
Shomer
Meaning watcher; a Shomer is a man or woman who sits with the decedent until burial, often reciting Tehilim, or Psalms.
Shiva
Beginning after the funeral has taken place is a period of mourning or Shiva. The Hebrew word for seven, the immediate family members observe Shiva for what has traditionally been a period of seven days. For some denominations of Judaism, the mourning period has been shortened to three days or even less.
Yahrzeit
Yahrzeit, the anniversary of a death in Judaism, is observed annually by mourners. Beginning at sunset the day before the anniversary, a candle is lit to commemorate
sunset on the anniversary date. Observing Yahrzeit includes the opportunities to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish prayer in Synagogue during services and give Tzedakah in memory of your loved one.
Most supermarkets have single day Yahrzeit candles available in the Kosher section. We also have these special candles available at the funeral home as a convenience.
Yizkor
Yizkor, which means remember, is the memorial service that is recited four times a year in synagogue. Traditionally, a yahrzeit candle is lit prior to the fast beginning on Yom Kippur and before sunset of the other holidays. We encourage you to consult your rabbi for proper guidance for observing Yizkor.
Mitzvah – The Good Deed
The burial of a loved one is considered the “Greatest Mitzvah”. It is the act of placing one at rest with honor, doing so obviously knowing they can never pay you back.
Page 30 - Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home