Judaism
About
Founded over 3500 years ago in the Middle East, Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in existence. It is the original of the three Abrahamic faiths, (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and is worshiped in Synagogues around the world.
Judaism was founded by Moses and has a rich history of religious text, the most important being the Torah. Jews believe God appointed them to be his chosen people to set an example of holiness and ethical behaviour to the world.
End of Life
In Judaism, death is viewed as part of the continuum of life. Jews believe in life after death and that in a future Messianic Age, all Jewish people will be reunited in Jerusalem, including those who have died.
There are many Jewish rituals and traditions for the dying, including the prayer known as the pidyon nefesh (redemption of the soul) which helps to relieve end of life suffering. If the dying person is conscious, a vidui invites them to express regret, confess sins, and ask for forgiveness.
After death, the eyes and mouth are gently closed and the jaw bound. Fingers and limbs are straightened, and the body is covered with a sheet with the feet pointed towards the door. The body is never unattended as it is believed that the soul remains present.
After Death
When a Jewish person dies, the body must be buried whole along with any objects that carry traces of the deceased person’s blood or hair. For this reason, healthcare staff should never wash the body. Instead, the Chevre Kadish, a Jewish Burial Society, should be informed so they can prepare the body for burial according to these customs.
The funeral must take place promptly, within a day if possible, and at a synagogue or funeral home. If the death occurs on the Jewish Sabbath, the funeral will be held on the Sunday. Jewish services typically last up to an hour and are led by the Rabbi. Prayers, psalms, and a eulogy are common, before following a hearse to the burial.
After a Jewish funeral, loved ones gather at the family home, marking the start of shiva; seven days of mourning. A candle is lit and burns for the full seven days. All mirrors are covered and the home is left unlocked to allow visitors to come and go peacefully as they offer their condolences. The mourning period continues for thirty days after death, with most standard routines returning after shiva, while those mourning a parent will include an additional 11-month period.