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Judaism
Jewish funerals are plain, simple and short. They usually take place within 24 hours after death and sometimes the same day. There is no embalming or viewing. For very religious Jews, the remains are wrapped in a special burial shroud and placed in a simple wooden casket, manufactured using wooden dowels and other non-metal parts. Reform, secular and conservative Jews use many different varieties of caskets, ranging from the simple, to the very ornate and expensive.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects by attending a funeral service at the Synagogue or funeral home chapel or participating in a graveside burial service at the cemetery. Cremation is not permitted in traditional Judaism but it is tolerated by reform Jews.
The funeral service may be conducted by a rabbi and cantor or by family and friends. Its focus centres around the deceased with the main component consisting of a eulogy about his or her life and good deeds. The service begins and ends with readings from Psalms and may vary in length depending on the number of persons who pay tribute.
It is a Jewish tradition men will walk the casket to graveside for another short service, after which it is lowered to the bottom of the grave. In a less religious service, women can also hold the casket. It is then customary and considered a mitzvah (or good deed) for those in attendance to place shovels of earth over the casket until the grave is filled in prior to everyone leaving. These days however, everyone is permitted to leave when the casket is completely covered
It is not a Jewish tradition to send flowers. Instead, a donation to the family's designated charity is considered to be a sign of honour and respect for the memory of the deceased.
After the burial service, relatives and friends are invited to the family home for a meal initiating the week of Shivah. This is a time when the family can withdraw from its responsibilities within the community to grieve.
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