Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., Pittsburgh’s oldest sustained existing and now currently the only Jewish family owned and operated funeral home in the area has always been the region’s trusted caretakers and experts in the hallowed traditions of Jewish burial.
While we at Schugar’s provide the utmost care and respect for the deceased and their families regardless of their race, religion, nationality or customs, we provide the following information for those seeking a deeper understanding of the sacred rituals surrounding the death, burial, and mourning period of the Jewish faith
All our customs come from the tenet that the utmost care and respect is to be paid to the deceased (or, “Met” מת). This is why a Jewish funeral traditionally takes place whenever possible within 24 hours from the time of death, or without undue delay
From the Hebrew word, “shmeerah” meaning, “to watch,” (שמירהi) this is the custom of having someone accompany the deceased from the time of death through the funeral and burial process. It is our belief that the soul of the decedent is present with its body from the moment of death until the grave is filled in (see “Kevurah”). This in-between period between death and burial is believed to be a time of great upheaval for the deceased. Having someone nearby and reciting psalms is to not only watch the deceased, but to let them know they are not alone during this time of transition.
This is the ritual washing (with water) and spiritual purification (with prayer), of the deceased prior to their being dressed in a simple white burial garment known as a shroud, or “tachrichim” in Hebrew (תכריכים). The shroud is white symbolizing purity, holiness, and that we are all equal in the eyes of G-d. The Taharah is performed by the Chevra Kadisha (ךדישא חברה), or Holy Society, a dedicated Jewish volunteer organization that performs the ritual Taharah
This “Sacred Society” of volunteers performs the ritual Taharah. They are members of the Jewish community. In Pittsburgh there are two groups of Chevra Kadisha: one strictly orthodox Chevra Kadisha, supervised by the Vaad Harabonim, and the New Community Chevra Kadisha, which is comprised of modern orthodox, conservative, reform, reconstructionist, and unaffiliated Jews. The New Community Chevra Kadisha also performs the ritual Taharah for transgender persons. Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., works hand in hand with both Chevra Kadisha groups, coordinating the timing of the ritual
This is the Hebrew word meaning, “accompaniment,” referring to the funeral service and procession.
This involves speaking of all the good that the deceased was and did while they were alive. It is a way to honor and remember them. The eulogy can be given by an officiating Rabbi, Cantor, Celebrant, family member, or anyone who knew the deceased.
This is the act of an immediate mourner tearing their outer garments (a shirt, tie, blouse, dress, etc.) to symboling their anguish and grief. In Jewish tradition, there are seven relationships that are considered immediate mourners: mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother, and spouse. For some who don’t want to tear their clothing, Ralph Schugar Chapel provides black ribbons to be pinned on to their clothing, or a black scarf or tie. This ritual is accompanied with a special prayer.
This is the act of actually filling in the grave with earth until a mound is formed. Participating in the filling of the grave is a religious privilege and duty. It is the ultimate altruistic act; you are doing for the deceased something which can never be repaid. All people present at a burial are welcomed and encouraged to participate in this mitzvah. Israeli earth, from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a 3,000 year old cemetery overlooking Jerusalem, is also sprinkled into the grave to maintain a physical and spiritual connection to the Jewish homeland
Meaning “seven” in Hebrew, shiva is the seven day mourning period that begins after the burial is complete. You may hear the phrase, “sitting shiva,” which refers to the observance of the first seven days of mourning after the burial. There are many traditions and rules for shiva, which may or may not be observed according to each family’s level of observance. Traditionally, immediate mourners (spouse, children, parents, and siblings) sit on low chairs, stools or crates. Ralph Schugar Chapel can provide these special chairs in additional to regular folding chairs.
This is a Hebrew prayer that praises G-d. It is a part of Jewish prayer services and is referred to as the, “Mourner’s Kaddish” because it is recited by immediate mourners at the burial of their loved one. Mourner’s recite the Kaddish to show that even though they are sad, despite the loss, they still praise G-d.
Meaning 30 in Hebrew, the Shloshim refers to the 30 day period of mourning following the burial of a loved one. It allows mourners to slowly return to normal daily life while still honoring the memory of their loved one.
