Talk:Bereavement in Judaism

Latest comment: 11 months ago by 132.77.179.20 in topic Missing discussion of Haymanot and Karaite Judaism

Burial tradition edit

The thing about the shovel is not jewniversal--it's a nice custom, but that should be clarified. The way that part is currently written, it sounds like this practice is torah mesinai. There are a number of variations of the custom as well--at least one funeral I've been to, the mourners each used the shovel, in turn, and after using the shovel, used their hand to throw in an additional handful. I don't know where the tradition comes from, nor its variations. Tomer TALK 21:45, September 2, 2005 (UTC)

  • it is traditional to do many things "backwards" ... I think the chevrah also pours water in a backhanded manner when preparing the body.

— <TALKJNDRLINETALK>    

Euthanasia is not Kosh edit

This was according to a rabbi, from Askmoses.com: Is euthanasia allowed under any circumstances? Answer: Euthanasia is forbidden (see Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah, ch. 339 for more details).


The soul of a Jew is pure G-dliness. The fact that a spark of G-dliness manifests itself in this physical world, in a physical body, is truly amazing. Every Jew is, by his/her very existence a beacon of G-dly light on this world. G-d forbid to extinguish this light.

Yahrzeits of famous Jews edit

It would be great if we could get the yahrzeits of famous Jews throughout history. Does anyone have a list? I have found a few, so I will note them here, but I am not sure of the accuracy of them since I don't know what time of day they died. It would be great to verify the accuracy of these and get more.


Name Died Yahrzeit
Isaac Kook 09/01/1935 Elul 3
Joseph Soloveitchek 04/09/1993 Nissan 18
Rashi 07/13/1105 Tammuz 29
Abraham Joshua Heschel 12/23/1972 Tevet 18
Rambam 12/13/1204 Tevet 20

References edit

Musical instruments during the funeral edit

There is no mention anywhere in this article of the fact that, unlike in Christian funerals, musical instruments aren't usually played at Jewish funerals. This is important to point out, especially in light of the custom in ancient times of playing the flute, as Mishnah Ketuvot 4:4 points out: "Even the poorest man in Israel should not hire fewer than two flutes ... [for a funeral]." Given the existence of such a custom, it's baffling that traditional and Orthodox Jewish congregations frown upon the playing of any music at funerals which they officiate.

Timing of keriah edit

§ Bereavement in Judaism says that keriah is done on hearing of the news, or at the funeral "so that the procedure is done properly". Different denominations in Judaism differ widely in what they consider "proper", and that phrase violates neutrality. I have deleted it. --Thnidu (talk) 16:48, 12 August 2019 (UTC)Reply

"Jewish bereavement/draft" listed at Redirects for discussion edit

  A discussion is taking place to address the redirect Jewish bereavement/draft. The discussion will occur at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2021 February 3#Jewish bereavement/draft until a consensus is reached, and readers of this page are welcome to contribute to the discussion. 𝟙𝟤𝟯𝟺𝐪𝑤𝒆𝓇𝟷𝟮𝟥𝟜𝓺𝔴𝕖𝖗𝟰 (𝗍𝗮𝘭𝙠) 16:29, 3 February 2021 (UTC)Reply

Meaningless sentence edit

§Death of an apostate Jew includes the sentence

It is also said that Leibel Eiger came to be menachem avel [console the mourner]).

This makes no sense: a person cannot come to be a verb. Is the translation (of menachem avel) accurate? Can anyone supply the intended meaning? Thnidu (talk) 07:53, 6 April 2021 (UTC)Reply

Nothing here on prohibition against disturbing remains edit

Arminden (talk) 13:10, 11 July 2021 (UTC)Reply

Missing discussion of Haymanot and Karaite Judaism edit

No discussion of bereavement in Haymanot or Karaite Judaism is included. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 132.77.179.20 (talk) 13:21, 24 May 2023 (UTC)Reply