A Popular Dictionary of Judaism
The dead are normally buried (see *BURIAL) although cremation is accepted by *Progressive Jews. The corpse is washed and men are buried in their prayer shawls (see *TALLIT). The *Psalms are recited at home and the body is escorted to the cemetery.
Before the funeral, the mourners tear a portion of their garments as a sign of mourning (see *KERIAH). In the cemetery, it is usual to halt three times to recite Psalm 91 and after the grave is filled the mourners throw grass and dust behind them. Hands are washed before leaving the cemetery and *Kaddish is recited. Different communities have different funeral customs and orders of service. (See also *BURIAL, *DEATH, *MOURNING).
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