In Judaism, the rituals for the dead are centered on two principles: Kavod HaMet (honoring the deceased) and Nichum Avelim (comforting the mourners). These rituals follow a strict timeline designed to guide the soul’s transition and the survivors’ grief. 

1. Preparation of the Body (Taharah)

The body is treated with extreme sanctity and is never left alone from death until burial, a practice called Shmirah (guarding). 

• Chevra Kadisha: A sacred volunteer burial society performs the last rites.
• Ritual Washing (Tahara): The body is ritually cleansed with water, symbolizing a return to the world in the same pure state as birth.
• Burial Shroud (Tachrichim): The deceased is dressed in simple white linen or cotton shrouds with no pockets, signifying that everyone is equal in death and cannot take material wealth with them.
• The Casket: In many traditions, a plain wooden casket (Aron) is used, often with holes in the bottom to ensure the body makes direct contact with the earth, fulfilling the biblical decree “to dust you shall return”. In Israel, bodies are often buried without a casket. 

2. The Funeral (Levayah)

Jews typically bury their dead as quickly as possible, often within 24 hours, except on the Sabbath or major holidays. 

• Keriah (Tearing): Before the service, immediate mourners tear their clothing (or a symbolic black ribbon) to express their grief.
• Service: A brief ceremony includes the recitation of Psalms, a eulogy (Hesped), and the El Malei Rachamim prayer (asking God for mercy for the soul).
• Burial: It is a high mitzvah (good deed) for family and friends to physically participate in filling the grave with earth. 

3. Stages of Mourning

Judaism prescribes five structured stages of mourning: 

• Aninut: The intense period from death until burial. Mourners are exempt from all religious duties to focus solely on funeral arrangements.
• Shiva (7 days): The first week after burial. Mourners stay home, sit on low stools, cover mirrors, and refrain from grooming. The community visits to provide meals and comfort.
• Shloshim (30 days): A month of gradual re-entry into society. Mourners return to work but avoid parties and live music.
• Shnat Ha-Evel (11/12 months): Observed primarily for a parent. The Mourner’s Kaddish (a prayer praising God) is recited daily for 11 months.
• Yahrzeit: The annual anniversary of the death, marked by lighting a 24-hour memorial candle and reciting Kaddish. 

4. Important Customs

• Cremation: Traditionally forbidden in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, though accepted in some Reform communities.
• No Flowers: Flowers are not traditional at Jewish funerals; instead, people make charitable donations (Tzedakah) in the name of the deceased.
• Stones on Graves: Visitors place small stones on the headstone to show the person is remembered.