Death, Burial, and Bereavement
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Fear of Death
I have had an increasing fear of death. I am terrified of the idea of my life and memories being extinguished after my short time on this earth has ended. I am 40 now and am looking back on what…
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Tearing Garments Upon Death
Why do Jews tear their garments upon the death of a close relative? What does this tearing specifically symbolize? Hi, Thanks for asking this important question. The tearing of the garment is a ritual that is brought down in the…
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Burial As Soon as Possible – Part I
What is the rationale that validates the requirement to bury a person within 24 hours of death? The Jewish concept of burial is that a person was created from the dust and we return to the dust. Our souls are…
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Washing Hands After a Funeral
Is it necessary to wash your hands when you return from a funeral if you have only attended the service but have not accompanied the family to the cemetery? If one attended the funeral and they were under the same…
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Tattoos
Why is Judiasm against having tattoos? Is it taken really seriously among the majority of jews, and are there any consequences of having one? Also, whats your opinion? G-d created us, all of humankind, with perfection. Each individual was created…
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Position of the Bed
Someone told me that he’s been designing a house for a Jewish customer who specifically asked that his bed not be facing the bedroom’s front door. I never heard of such thing. Is there a law in regards to the…
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Garment Torn in Mourning
The ribbon that is torn and pinned on apparel on the left for children and the right for spouse. What is the significance? Thank you for your question. According to Jewish tradition, a person is supposed to tear their outer…
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Unveiling the Gravestone
Do you have any information you could e-mail me about a “do-it-yourself” unveiling? I am an unaffiliated Jew and am planning for the unveiling of my father’s. I did attend an unveiling a couple of years ago that was conducted…