Jewish Tradition

Jewish tradition takes a practical and meaningful approach to all things dealing with death and mourning. It is important to understand the beauty and meaning behind our heritage and tradition.

Neshama Jewish Funeral Services takes pride in only offering burial packages that conform to the most strict adherence to Jewish law. Traditionally, a Shomer will remain with the body from removal until burial. Before the service, the Chevra Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society) will perform a Taharah (cleanse and purify the body), they will dress the body in tachrichim (a simple, white burial gown), and finally place the body in a casket. The family can choose between a chapel service or graveside, and what information to inscribe on the monument or marker.  If you are seeking a greater understanding of Jewish law and tradition in death, please contact our staff to answer any questions you may have.

At Neshama Jewish Funeral Service, the burial process is made easier by our complete and comprehensive funeral packages.  Please contact us for more information on our funeral packages.

Burial FAQ

What is a shomer?

The shomer, or one who guards, will sit near the body and recitePsalms for the comfort of the soul. Jewish tradition dictates that the body should not be left alone since it is said that the soul lingers near the body until burial.

What is a Taharah?

Before the body is buried, it is washed in a ritual act of purification called Tahara. Just as a baby is washed and enters the world clean and pure, so do we leave the world cleansed by the religious act of Tahara. The Tahara is performed by the caring volunteers of Chevra Kadisha or Jewish Burial Society. Strict procedures are followed, which include the recitation of prayers and psalms. Men handle male bodies and women prepare female bodies; modesty is preserved even in death.

What are Tachrichim?

Tachrichim are white linen shrouds that the deceased is dressed in for burial.  Jewish tradition recognizes the democracy of death, and therefore dictates that all Jews be buried in the same type of garment. Nineteen hundred years ago, Rabbi Gamliel instituted this practice so that the poor would not be shamed and the wealthy would not compete with each other to display the fanciest burial clothing.  The Tachrichim are made to reflect this concept and should be simple, handmade, clean and white. They symbolize purity, simplicity and dignity.

Why is a plain pine casket preferred?

As it is written in our Torah: “For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19).  This is the guiding principle when choosing a casket. An ornate casket would pay honor to a family’s wealth, instead of focusing on the deceased’s good deeds. Jewish tradition requires that the person be buried in a plain, modest, casket. The casket must be made from material that will disintegrate in the ground, allowing the body to return to the earth as quickly as possible, and enabling the soul to attain true and final peace.

Why don’t you offer cremation?

Cremation is against Jewish law and tradition, and as such Neshama Jewish Funeral Services will not offer this as a service.  Our funeral home is based on the Jewish laws for burial without compromising on price or service. Everything we do shows respect the body and offers comfort to the family while keeping the Jewish tradition intact.

There are many reasons why cremation is not within the boundaries of Jewish law. One such reason is that Man’s soul comes from above and when it is finished its mission on earth, it rises back up to God. The body, on the other hand, comes from the earth and shall return to the earth. Cremation destroys much of the body and thus violates the commandments of burial in the ground. Another Jewish concept is that the body belongs to the creator. While living, it is on loan to us and we try to take care of it as best as possible so it can be returned, in its entirety to God. For additional information please visit the Resources page on our website.

Is embalming allowed by Jewish law?

Embalming is not allowed by Jewish law unless mandated by the government of a specific country. In some cases, in order to ship the body to certain countries, the body is required to be embalmed. In that case, Neshama Jewish Funeral Services will have the body embalmed. Within the United States, no state has such a law so there is no reason to embalm a body. For additional information please visit the Resources page on our website.

Cemetery Types

Monumental Cemetery: A Monumental Cemetery is the traditional style of cemetery where headstones or other monuments made of marble or granite rise vertically above the ground.  There are countless different types of designs for headstones, ranging from very simple to large and complex.

Lawn Cemetery: A Lawn Cemetery is where each grave is marked with a small commemorative plaque that is placed horizontally at the head of the grave at ground-level.  Families can still be involved in the design and the information contained on the plaque, however in most cases the plaques are a standard design.

Natural Cemetery: A Natural Cemetery, also known as Eco-Cemeteries or Green Cemeteries are a new style of cemetery set aside for natural burials.  Natural burials are motivated by the desire to be environmentally conscience.  Although natural burials can be performed at any type of cemetery, they are usually done in a natural woodland area.  Conventional markings such as headstones are generally replaced with a tree or a bush or a placement of a natural rock.