Information about Funerals and Mourning

Planning and Preparation

• 1. Are cemetery plots local to Princeton available?
• 2. How do we purchase a plot?
• 3. How do we make preparations in advance?
• 4. I have heard the term "prearranged funeral", can you explain?
• 5. Are organ donations permitted in Jewish law?
• 6. Which Jewish funeral homes are local to Princeton?

Preparing a Funeral

• 7. What do we do at the time of death?
• 8. Who is a mourner under Jewish law?
• 9. How do we make funeral arrangements?
• 10. Is there a crematorium in the area?
• 11. What happens from time of death to the funeral?
• 12. What Jewish funeral rituals are observed?
• 13. When should the funeral take place?

The Funeral and Shiva

• 14. What happens during the funeral service?
• 15. What happens at the cemetery?
• 16. What is shiva?
• 17. How long does shiva last?
• 18. How should the shiva house be prepared?
• 19. What happens during the shiva period?
• 20. What is the prayer for lighting the memorial candle during shiva?
• 21. Is there a ritual for the conclusion of shiva?

Mourning

• 22. When do we say the mourner's kaddish?
• 23. For how long do we say kaddish?
• 24. Who is required to say kaddish?

Other Matters

• 25. How long after the funeral do we unveil the grave monument?
• 26. What can I do as a comforter?
• 27. We have received a great deal of food, which community charities will take our surplus?
• 28. How do we know when the yahrtzeit is?
• 29. Is there a prayer for lighting the memorial candle?
• 30. When is yizkor recited?
• 31. Where may we look for further information?
• 32. Please explain how to behave during a shiva visit? What is the correct decorum?

To view or print the entire Mourner's Guide click here