What You Need to Know About Jewish Funeral Traditions in Monroe, NJ
Our funeral home is a family-owned and operated business, established in the early 1980s. We take pride in serving our community each and every day. We believe that every Jewish family should have a dignified funeral service at an affordable cost in Cranbury, East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Highland Park, Manalapan, Marlboro, Monroe, and surrounding areas. The many years of experience that our staff members share ensure that we have the tools, dedication, and compassion to serve the families of our community when they need it most. Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels can help you prepare for the future, guide you through a loss of a loved one, the unique stages of mourning in the Jewish tradition, and everything in between. You may call us at (732) 390-9199 for more information.
Planning a Jewish funeral is much more involved than just scheduling a funeral home and choosing a burial plot. If you want to follow the traditions, then many factors need to be considered for your plan. At Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels, we understand the Jewish culture, and we are here to support your family during this time.
If you live in Monroe, NJ, or the nearby cities, then you are invited to contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more. We will discuss the traditions that should be considered, and help you plan a funeral that matches Jewish law. You will see that we are a full-service funeral home and can help with anything that you need.
What are the Common Jewish Funeral Customs?
Some people are familiar with funeral customs, while others are looking for guidance in planning a traditional funeral. Here are some of the traditions that you might consider for an upcoming funeral:
- Burial Time: Traditionally, the body should be laid to rest within 24 hours after death. This timeframe is set by Jewish law and custom. But, there are instances when a little more time is needed. If 24 hours isn’t feasible, then the arrangements should be made as soon as possible.
- Location: The venue for the funeral needs to show the respect that you have for your loved one. A person who was an active member of the Synagogue might have a funeral in the temple. Otherwise, the services can be scheduled in our funeral home or at the graveside. Usually, the funeral home is the best solution because it is comfortable and convenient for everyone in attendance.
- Preparing for the Funeral: What are the arrangements that need to be made before the funeral? As a family, you should talk to the Rabbi to share information for the eulogy. Then, it is important that you arrive 45 minutes before the funeral starts to fill out the necessary paperwork.
- Attire: Most of the time, there isn’t a dress code. But, funeral attendees need to wear respectful clothing for the event. If you want to have a traditional k’riyah, then we can provide ribbons for the cutting.
- Burial Clothes: The body is usually dressed in a traditional linen suit, which includes the cap, shirt, and pants. The reason for this burial clothing is to show that all people are equal before the Creator.
- Children: Should young children attend the funeral? In Jewish tradition, a funeral is viewed as an important part of the cycle of life. So, it is common for the children to attend the event. But, this decision can be made based on the needs of each family.
Our team at Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels understands the Jewish traditions, and we can support your requests for these practices. We want to be sure that the funeral services match your desires and family preferences. You are welcome to contact us anytime if you are interested in learning more about the options that are available.
Graveside Practices
In addition to the traditions listed above, there are also certain practices that are usually held at the cemetery. In fact, these graveside services are often thought to be the most important part of a Jewish funeral. As such, everyone in the family is encouraged to attend the graveside event.
When the family arrives, it is customary to have them accompany the casket to the gravesite. The Rabbi will oversee the proceedings and direct the activities. The casket is placed in the grave, and then everyone in attendance can participate by adding a shovelful of dirt on the casket.
Next, the appropriate prayers are recited by the Rabbi. Then, the friends and family form two lines, with both lines facing each other. The mourners in the immediate family walk between the lines to listen to the words of comfort now that the burial has taken place.
Customizing Your Jewish Funeral
One of the most important things is that you have the freedom and flexibility to customize the funeral to match the needs of your family. We recognize that there are important Jewish customs, but sometimes families prefer a different format for the funeral events.
We always offer the Jewish customs if desired. Or, you are welcome to change the plan in any way that you see fit. We will listen to your requests, and then provide suggestions and support to match your goals. Learn more about our funeral services, and you will see that we are always willing to cater the options to match any desires.
If you have more questions about Jewish funeral planning in Monroe, NJ, then our team at Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels is here to help. We are located at 454 Cranbury Road (at Evergreen Blvd.), East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Or, call for more information: (800) 395-9199 or (732) 390-9199
Funeral and Cremation FAQs
How do I make advance arrangements for veteran benefits?
Send a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) that we will keep in our permanent files. For assistance, contact a funeral service provider who cares.
Can I plan my cremation in advance?
Planning ahead of the details and payment of your cremation can be done with our help, at your convenience. You can also sign the Cremation Authorization; alleviating the burden on your family of choosing your funeral plans. Learn more about Pre-planning arrangements.
What is an Avelut?
Avelut, a Hebrew word meaning “lamenting,” refers to the mourning period following the interment. A mourner during this period is called an ‘avel’. Avelut, which follows aninut, encompasses the mourning customs of shivah, sheloshim, and, when a parent has died, the entire twelve-month mourning period. Learn more about Avelut and its process.
