Gutterman’s & Gutterman Warheit — Jewish Funeral Services
in New York and Florida

The Jewish funeral process, virtually unchanged for more than four thousand years, emphasizes simplicity, dignity and humility. Traditionally held within 24 hours of a person’s death, it includes a number of specific traditions:

• The ritual washing of the body (tahara)—Before a funeral may take place, the body of the deceased must be washed and dressed in accordance with Jewish law. This is customarily done by the Chevra Kadisha (the Jewish burial society) while prayers are recited. Under law, men prepare men and women prepare women.
• The rending of one’s own garments (kriah)—During the funeral, family members typically tear their own garment as an expression of grief.
• The paying of respects (kavod)—The commandment to accompany the body to its final resting place is one of the greatest in Jewish law. This involves attendance at the funeral home or chapel, or at the interment, to recite psalms and give spoken testimonies of the merits of the deceased.
• The burial (kevurah)—The burial takes place in a Jewish cemetery, with the recitation of Kaddish and other prayers.
• Condolences (nechama)—Those in attendance at the gravesite create a pathway through which family members and mourners walk as they leave.