Jewish Funeral Traditions
Jewish Funeral Traditions
For over 125 years, the team at Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory has had the honor of serving Corona and Riverside families from a variety of faith traditions. Our expertise is one reason so many people turn to us during difficult times. Families want to know the funeral home they select will help them honor their loved one’s life along with their specific cultural, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds.
Our team has the pleasure of serving many of our Jewish neighbors, and our care extends far beyond meeting their funeral-care needs. In fact, Thomas Miller Owner Chris Miller was the 2019 recipient of the Shatuf Tzedek Award from Congregation Beth Shalom at their annual Legacy Luncheon. This honor is presented to a business partner who has made a significant contribution to the Jewish community in the greater Corona Valley. Our support of our Jewish neighbors is evident outside the funeral home doors – and inside, we’re here to help families with every detail of planning a funeral and burial.
While there are many denominations within Judaism, most Jewish people believe in embracing life and accepting that death is inevitable. According to Jewish practices, the funeral and burial need to take place as soon as possible after death. In the time between the moment of death and the funeral, the person who died is never left unattended, as a family member, friend, or a member of a congregation or burial society is always present. During this time, those in the burial society wash and prepare the person who died, dressing him or her in a simple white shroud. Once prepared, they are placed in a simple wooden casket.
Learn More About Jewish Funeral Traditions
Jewish tradition usually does not include a viewing, visitation, or wake. Rather, loved ones may visit the grieving family at their home. The funeral is typically held in a synagogue, at the gravesite, or at a funeral home, with prayers, psalms, and eulogies delivered by family members or the rabbi. Flowers are generally not appropriate at Jewish funerals, preferring donations to a charity or Jewish organization.
After the service, those in attendance follow the hearse to the cemetery or interment site, where the rabbi will recite prayers, and all will recite a mourner’s blessing. We are happy to help provide transportation from either our Corona Chapel or Sierra Memorial Chapel locations to the cemetery. It is traditional for loved ones to place dirt on the coffin before it is buried. Family may then host a reception at a family home, the funeral home, or the synagogue.
No matter what traditions and rituals your family wishes to honor, our experienced staff at Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory is able to plan a tribute that reflects the beliefs you hold dear. If you’re interested in preplanning your own arrangements so you know your wishes and preferences are in writing, or you would like to learn more about the services we offer, contact us anytime.