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Any Orthodox Jews on here? Need advice about a funeral

29 replies

SomeAdvicePleasee · 25/03/2023 20:13

My close friend is an Orthodox Jew and her father passed away yesterday. The funeral is tomorrow and I am planning to go to show my support to her.

I have never been to a Jewish funeral so was wondering what the etiquette is. Do I need to take anything, like flowers or a card? Or just go and leave?

I have no idea what to expect or if there any must dos or must don’ts. So any guidance is really really appreciate.

OP posts:
Alex71 · 26/03/2023 07:11

No flowers. You can expect your friends family to sit shiva for a week after the funeral
. You should expect them to publish visiting hours for the shiva house and it's polite to go visit.
Don't knock on the door, just walk in.

Don't speak to the mourner until they speak to you first.

And before you leave, tell them "hamakom yenachem etchem betoch she'ar avilei tsiyon v'yerushalayim". ( or if you struggle with the Hebrew OP, “May G-d comfort you among all the mourners of Tzion and Yerushaliyim”)

Many/most shiva houses will have this expression posted somewhere to remind people of it and you say it just before you leave.
Don't bring flowers but food is appropriate to bring if you don't want to arrive empty-handed.
their synagogue may set up a meal rotation to help out the mourner, be on the lookout for that.
I hope this helps

HolidayHappy123 · 26/03/2023 11:02

Wishing family members a long life will be more than fine for a non- Hebrew speaker.

TrickyD · 26/03/2023 11:51

Nimbostratus100· Yesterday 21:20your husband would also need a hat or skull cap, probably be able to borrow, but if hes going with you then

Good point. When my XSIL’s Jewish mum died, I was convinced my DH had to wear a hat for the funeral. Not having anything suitable I tracked down a bowler hat for hire.

Despite the sad occasion of her mum’s funeral, XSIL was in gales of laughter when she spotted DH in the hat. ‘You look the most Jewish person here”.

SomeAdvicePleasee · 26/03/2023 22:15

I just want to say thank you again to everyone for your help. The funeral went exactly as you described, and I didn’t feel so lost during the different parts. Heartbroken for my friend but she did really well today.

OP posts:
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