VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
from OY to JOY
JULY 2009 TAMMUZ – AV 5769
FREE
A DEN VER JEW ISH SENIOR ACT IVI T Y GUI DE
The Sanctity of a Jewish Burial There are some beautiful and widely forgotten laws surrounding Jewish burial. As you fill out your wills and ethical wills, please try to keep the following in mind and request the dignified and respectful burial that is your rightful heritage as a Jew.
Bracha (blessing) – The blessing,“Blessed is the true Judge”, is recited before the funeral service.
The Kabbalah teaches that the separation of the soul and body is a very gradual process and that following death the soul hovers near the body. The soul does not feel free to ascend to heaven until the body is prepared for burial and buried in the traditional Jewish way.The Torah teaches that there is great holiness remaining in the body after death. This is likened to the treatment of a Torah scroll that is no longer fit for use yet retains its holiness - we treat it with great respect and inter it gently in the ground. We do no less for a human body that was the repository of a G-dly soul.
Levayah (accompanying) – As the hearse leaves on the way to the cemetery,friends and relatives of the deceased do not rush away but wait until the hearse departs and walk near it for a distance of at least six feet.
The following is a short summary glossary of the laws and rituals, replete with significance and meaning surrounding Jewish burial,which reflect the great dignity and respect accorded to the deceased and to the bereaved family. Shomer (guard) – From the time of death until burial, the deceased is never left alone and is accompanied around the clock by a Jewish friend, relative or hired shomer. Tahara (purification) – At this beautiful and holy ritual the Chevra Kadisha (holy society) discreetly and respectfully wash the body and dress it in an manner appropriate for one preparing to meet his/her Maker -in holiness, simplicity and dignity. A candle is lit near the head and prayers are recited during the process.A small pouch of earth from the land of Israel is included in the coffin. Tachrichim (shrouds) – The deceased is dressed in a specially handsewn and pure white shroud without pockets. A man is buried in his talit and some are buried in the kittel, the white garment that he wore every Yom Kippur. Emphasis is not on the material wealth of the deceased and bereaved but on the relationship with G-d. Aron (coffin) – An unlined wooden coffin is used, which continues the focus on spirituality not on an ostentatious show of wealth. Burial takes place in the ground.“Unto dust shall you return.” (Genesis 3:19)
Kriah (actual tearing of the garment) – This is done in the prescribed manner before the funeral service.
Kaddish – This prayer is recited with a minyan at the gravesite. Shiva (seven days) – Immediate relatives - parents, spouse, sisters and brothers,sons and daughters - sit in mourning on low seats for seven days and are visited by friends and relatives. Anyone who has ever sat shiva will attest to the therapeutic and healing effects of this wonderful ritual. Cremation,viewing of the body,open caskets,autopsies and embalming are forbidden by traditional Jewish law.Organ donations are complicated and a rabbinic authority should be consulted.For more information,contact Elka Popack at (303) 316-6358 or the Denver Chevra Kadisha at (720) 308-8636.
CONTENTS Senior Resources Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 Community Senior Activities • Allied Jewish Apartments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 • BMH/BJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 • Hebrew Educational Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 • Jewish Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04–07 • Rodef Shalom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 • Shalom Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 • Temple Emanuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 • Temple Micah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09 JCC & Network Activities Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12