Significance of Death in Jewish Religion
Tambra Laurenta Afterlife 1
Dr. N. Marshood
SOC 230
December 2, 2009
The Significance of Death and the Afterlife in the Jewish Religion
This paper will explore the significance of death and the afterlife in the Jewish religion; specifically, what are the rituals surrounding death, and what are the beliefs in the afterlife. Throughout history, human beings have tried to unravel the mystery of death and to imagine what lies beyond the grave. In Judaism, death is not a tragedy, even when it occurs early in life or through unfortunate circumstances (Rich 2001). I wrote about this topic because I was ignorant of nearly all things Jewish. As I grow older, the thought of my own mortality possesses me, and I wanted to explore what another culture believed. Through an interview with Rabbi Brickman of Temple Beth-El in Jersey City, I learned much. Death Today, we have a dying man. What is to be done with him? His loved ones watch over him, and after death has been ascertained, his eyes and mouth are closed and a sheet drawn over him. The position of the body should be oriented so that the feet face the doorway. Normally, in earlier years, it would have been common for the mourners to rend their clothing at this time, but this is now done at the funeral. A candle is placed near the head of the deceased. The relatives and friends ask forgiveness of him. The mirrors in the home are covered “to de-emphasize the beauty and the ornamentation of the flesh at a time when in the same house, another person’s body has begun to decay (Lamm 2000).” Psalms are recited. Inside the room with the body, Afterlife 2
one’s behavior should indicate the highest respect. No eating, drinking, smoking, singing, or derogatory comments about the deceased are permitted. The rabbi is then called. He will notify the chevrah kaddisha (burial society), which will care for the body. After that, the funeral director will be called to
Dr. N. Marshood
SOC 230
December 2, 2009
The Significance of Death and the Afterlife in the Jewish Religion
This paper will explore the significance of death and the afterlife in the Jewish religion; specifically, what are the rituals surrounding death, and what are the beliefs in the afterlife. Throughout history, human beings have tried to unravel the mystery of death and to imagine what lies beyond the grave. In Judaism, death is not a tragedy, even when it occurs early in life or through unfortunate circumstances (Rich 2001). I wrote about this topic because I was ignorant of nearly all things Jewish. As I grow older, the thought of my own mortality possesses me, and I wanted to explore what another culture believed. Through an interview with Rabbi Brickman of Temple Beth-El in Jersey City, I learned much. Death Today, we have a dying man. What is to be done with him? His loved ones watch over him, and after death has been ascertained, his eyes and mouth are closed and a sheet drawn over him. The position of the body should be oriented so that the feet face the doorway. Normally, in earlier years, it would have been common for the mourners to rend their clothing at this time, but this is now done at the funeral. A candle is placed near the head of the deceased. The relatives and friends ask forgiveness of him. The mirrors in the home are covered “to de-emphasize the beauty and the ornamentation of the flesh at a time when in the same house, another person’s body has begun to decay (Lamm 2000).” Psalms are recited. Inside the room with the body, Afterlife 2
one’s behavior should indicate the highest respect. No eating, drinking, smoking, singing, or derogatory comments about the deceased are permitted. The rabbi is then called. He will notify the chevrah kaddisha (burial society), which will care for the body. After that, the funeral director will be called to
Cited: Brickman, K., personal communication November 6, 2006, Jersey City, NJ. Gates of Prayer (1975) New York: Central Conference of American Rabbis. Heilman, S. C. (2001) When a Jew Dies, Berkeley: University of California Press. Johnstone, R.L. (2007) Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion, Eighth edition. Lamm, M. (2000) The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, Middle Village, NY: Jonathan David Publishers, Inc. Monohan, S.C., Mirola, W.A, Emerson, M.O. (2001) Sociology of Religion: A Reader, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Rich, T.R. (2001) Judaism 101: Life, Death and Mourning. Retrieved 12 October, 2009 from http://www.jewfaq.org/death.htm Sonsino, R., and Syme, D.B. (1990) What Happens After I Die? Jewish Views of Life After Death, New York: UAHC Press. December 2, 2009