Jewish Obituary Traditions

Tombstones usually contain basic biographical information.

Jewish obituary traditions are similar to Christian traditions, with published notices containing basic biographical and funeral information, as well as mentioning surviving relatives. Specific Jewish references and symbols are often included in Hebrew-language obituaries.

History

Published obituaries, as understood them today, are relatively new in Judaism, coinciding with the rise of mass newspaper media in the late 19th century. Jewish populations tend to be urban and with a high degree of literacy, however, so it rapidly became customary for Yiddish-language newspapers to publish obituary notices. The practice continues today in multiple languages, and several online databases of obituaries are available to Jews who research family genealogy.

Significance

Besides communicating the essential facts of the obituary, such as the location and time of the funeral, the obituary will mention the specific date of death, which is used in calculating events in the Jewish mourning cycle. If the death occurred after sunset, this may be noted in the obituary.

Expert Insight

Several graphic conventions may accompany the obituary, such as a six-pointed Star of David, a candelabra, or upraised hands with fingers spread in the manner of the priestly benediction, if the deceased is a Kohen, a member of the priestly class. The Hebrew acronym for the phrase "may his/her soul be bound up in the bonds of life," taken from the Bible (Samuel I 25:29), is often appended to the end of an obituary or marked on the gravestone.

Time Frame

The obituary is important to inform well-wishers of the beginning of the mourning cycle--shiva for seven days after burial, the 30-day shloshim anniversary and the annual death anniversary known as yohrtsayt.

Considerations

Extensive, lengthy obituaries are not traditional in Jewish communities, with the exception of important rabbis and other leaders. Other public demonstrations of grief, such as eulogies, memorial gatherings and especially commemorative donations to charity are more common.

References

• Jewish Federations of North America; Jewish Funeral Customs-Saying Goodbye to a Loved One
• Zchor.org: Abbreviations and Terms Found on Tombstones in Poland

Resources

• Jewish Funerals, Burials and Mourning