There are laws in Judaism that are adhered to in order to make the grieving process that more meaningful. For instance, there is a seven day period called Shiva which are the first days directly after a burial has taken place. Some traditions require the mourners to sit down on a low couch or chair whilst guests and attendees come and pay their respects.
These are all signs that say a person is in mourning but there is more meaning to them than just custom. The first period of mourning is known as Shiva which roughly translated means The Seven or seven days of mourning. During this time the family members receive guests who will want to offer their condolences and really just to talk and give the mourners that bit of strength to carry on.
Then there is the burial itself where there is a set procedure as to how it is carried out. The dead are not buried in fancy and expensive coffins but rather in a pine casket that is modest. Before the burial takes place the body is washed in what is known as Tahara or cleansing after which it is laid to rest in the coffin sometimes wrapped in a prayer shawl especially for men.
The coffin is not fanciful and expensive but is modestly made out of pine. It is customary to put soil from the Holy Land into the casket with the body. The body itself, should it be male, is wrapped in a prayer shawl or is put in white linen that is sewed around the body in order to enclose it completely.
There are other customs that are kept and some of these include eating hard boiled eggs and bagels. The bagel is round signifying the totality of life whilst the egg is a sign of the soul continuing its journey from this world to the next. The body is but a shell and a vehicle for the soul in this world and it should be understood that its journey continues far into the next world.
Once prayers have been said mourners will say a prayer for the dead known as Kaddish. This prayer will be said for the next eleven months whilst mourners attend Synagogue for morning, noon and evening prayers. It is in respect of the dead so that their soul may be elevated and granted peace in the next world.
The Rabbi is there to enlighten and educate. It is best to be guided by him. Fulfilling the laws and dictates is in fact the healthy way to go about things.
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