rpse head to show respect to the soul that departed. In the past twenty-six candles were light around the body; twenty-six is the Jewish numerical number meaning “God.” Today this is done only to show respect to the dead. Jewish people treat a close family members death similar to Americans. Relatives and friends of the deceased feel great distress, sorrow, and pain. Preparing the deceased for burial is one of the highest priorities in Judaism. The corpse most be thoroughly cleansed in order to return to God in a state of purity. Cremation is not allowed in Jewish law. The corpse is dressed simple, inexpensive, white, loose, linen, garments called shrouds: This was done so the dead would be better prepared for resurrection. The coffins most be made out of unpolished pinewood: this shows how Jewish most treat the dead with simplicity and modesty like tradition expects them to. Each member of the family must tear their garment (long white robe) to show their inner pain. At the chapel service people recite the Hashkaba (Rest in peace prayer). The first shovels of dirt or thrown by family members and friends. After the service is concluded the cemetery crew fills the grave. Everyone who attends the funeral must cover his or her heads as a sign of respect. Jewish tradition mandates that mourning for a loved one should be seven days (Shoult 34-64). All mirrors are covered for the seven days of mourning, because it is improper to worry about ones looks during mourning. Any form of entertainment and social activity is forbidden during the mourning week. After mourning week loved ones may make visits to the cemetery (Kolatch 200-234).There are many differences between the Jewish culture and other cultures, but one thing that almost all cultures have in common is that almost all mourn when a death to a loved one occurs. The Jewish culture is one that has extraordinary respect for their dead. Not to many cultures treat incident of dea...
