As with most religions, Judaism has certain end-of-life rituals in place to honor those who have passed. If you’re planning a Jewish funeral for a loved one, you may wonder where to begin. The following tips will help you navigate the process to ensure a respectful memorial for your loved one.

Do:

Get help from a Chevra Kadisha.

Reach out to your community’s Jewish burial society so they can walk you through the rituals and laws you must follow. They may guide you to a shomer, who will watch over the body from death until burial, and help you prepare the shiva, the week-long mourning period for first-degree relatives. They may also offer tips for the “meal of healing,” or S’udat Hav’ra-ah, and the necessary burial garb.

Select a straightforward casket.

In most Jewish communities, the objective of a burial is to naturally return the body to the earth. This is best achieved through a simple, all-wood casket, typically made from pine. There should be no embellishments (with the exception of a Star of David) and no metal parts.

Don’t:

Delay funeral & burial services.

Burial is the preferred method of handling remains for most Jewish communities. Ideally, this should take place as soon after death as possible. Since it may take some time for distant family members to travel, inform them as soon as possible so the event can happen with minimal delay.

Have the body embalmed.

While some states require embalming if the body leaves their jurisdictions, Connecticut is not one of them. Instead, many Jewish families opt for refrigeration whenever possible. Embalming and applying cosmetics are generally avoided, since the goal is to return the body to the earth in its most natural state.

If you’re pre-planning your own end-of-life arrangements or need to arrange a funeral for a loved one, allow the compassionate team from Adzima Funeral Home to help. No matter your religious denomination, this Fairfield County funeral home is available to assist you during your time of need. This family-run establishment has been serving the community for more than a century with respect and compassion. Find out more about their services online or call (203) 375-2200 to reach a funeral director.