Jewish funerals in Australia: rites, mourning and what to expect

Jewish funerals follow one of the most structured sequences of any faith tradition. Every step, from the moment of death through to the end of the mourning period, is governed by halacha (Jewish law). The rites prioritise dignity for the deceased, rapid burial, and communal support for the grieving family.

In Australia, Jewish funerals are coordinated through the Chevra Kadisha, the community's dedicated burial society. The Sydney Chevra Kadisha and the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha both operate as not-for-profit funeral providers, using trained volunteers to carry out the religious requirements.

This guide covers what happens at a Jewish funeral in Australia, what the tradition requires, and what families and guests should expect.

Immediately after death

The period between death and burial is called aninut. During aninut, the family's sole obligation is to arrange the burial as quickly as possible. Jewish law calls for burial on the same day as death where practical, though in Australia this is often extended to the next day to allow time for the paperwork and for family to travel.

The eyes and mouth of the deceased are closed. The body is placed on the floor (in some traditions) and covered with a sheet. A candle is lit near the head. From this point until burial, the body is never left alone.

The shomer (watcher)

A shomer sits with the body at all times between death and burial. The shomer may be a family member, a friend, or a volunteer from the Chevra Kadisha. The role is both practical (ensuring the body is treated with respect) and spiritual (the soul is believed to remain near the body until burial).

The shomer traditionally recites Psalms during the watch. In Australian practice, the Chevra Kadisha can provide volunteer shomrim (plural) to cover the watch in shifts, particularly overnight.

Tahara (ritual purification)

Before burial, the body undergoes tahara, a ritual washing performed by members of the Chevra Kadisha. Men wash men; women wash women. The washing follows a precise sequence: the body is cleansed with warm water, prayers are recited, and the body is dressed in tachrichim (simple white linen or cotton shrouds).

The tachrichim have no pockets, no adornment, and no distinction of wealth. Everyone is buried in the same plain garments, reflecting the principle that all are equal in death. In some communities, a man is also wrapped in his tallit (prayer shawl) with one of the fringes cut to indicate it is no longer used for prayer.

The tahara is performed with great care and dignity. The body is never turned face-down, and conversations during the procedure are limited to the task at hand.

The casket

Jewish law requires a simple wooden casket. The coffin must be made entirely of wood with no metal nails, hinges, or handles. This allows the body and casket to return to the earth together. Ornate coffins, metal caskets, and above-ground mausoleums or vaults are not permitted in Orthodox practice.

The casket remains closed at all times. Open-casket viewings are considered extremely disrespectful in Jewish tradition, even for family.

The funeral service

Jewish funerals are typically held at a funeral chapel, synagogue, or at the graveside. The service is simple and focused.

K'riah (tearing of garments). Before the service, immediate family members tear a section of their clothing (or a ribbon pinned to their clothing) as a visible sign of grief. This is done standing, symbolising that the mourner faces grief upright.

Psalms. The service opens with Psalms, most commonly Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd") and Psalm 91.

Hesped (eulogy). One or more eulogies are delivered, typically by the rabbi, family members, or close friends. The hesped honours the life of the deceased and expresses the community's loss.

El Moley Rachamim. The cantor or rabbi chants this prayer, asking God to grant the soul rest under the wings of the Divine Presence. It is one of the most recognisable elements of a Jewish funeral.

There is no music at a Jewish funeral. No flowers are displayed at the service or the grave. Charity donations in memory of the deceased are the preferred alternative to flowers.

At the cemetery

The funeral procession (levaya) moves from the service to the grave. The coffin is carried by pallbearers, often pausing seven times on the way to the grave (representing the seven times the word "hevel," meaning vanity or breath, appears in Ecclesiastes).

At the graveside, the coffin is lowered into the ground and attendees take turns shovelling earth onto it. The shovel is not passed from hand to hand. Instead, it is placed back into the pile of earth between turns. This custom reflects the reluctance to "pass on" grief from one person to another.

Once the grave is filled (or partially filled), the mourners recite Kaddish, the prayer of sanctification. The congregation forms two parallel lines, and the mourners walk between them while receiving words of comfort: "May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."

Before leaving the cemetery, attendees wash their hands from a pitcher of water placed near the exit. This is a ritual act of transition from the world of death back to the world of the living.

Shiva (7 days of mourning)

Shiva begins immediately after the burial and lasts seven days (shiva means "seven" in Hebrew). The mourning family stays at home, traditionally the home of the deceased or a family member's home.

During shiva, the family sits on low chairs or stools (a physical expression of being brought low by grief). Mirrors in the home are covered. The family does not work, does not wear leather shoes, and does not bathe for pleasure. A memorial candle burns for the full seven days.

Community members visit throughout shiva to offer comfort. Visitors bring food, and meals are prepared for the family so they do not need to cook. The first meal after the funeral (seudat havra'ah, the meal of consolation) traditionally includes round foods like eggs and lentils, symbolising the cycle of life.

The visitor's role during shiva is to follow the mourner's lead. If the mourner wants to talk about the deceased, the visitor listens. If the mourner is silent, the visitor sits quietly. There is no expectation that the mourner should be cheerful or put on a brave face.

Shloshim and the first year

After shiva ends, the mourning period continues at a reduced intensity.

Shloshim (30 days). For the first 30 days after burial, mourners avoid joyous events such as weddings, concerts, and parties. Men do not shave or get haircuts during shloshim. Normal work resumes, but the mourner continues to recite Kaddish daily at synagogue.

The first year. Those mourning a parent observe a full year of mourning. Kaddish is recited daily for 11 months. The unveiling of the headstone (matzeivah) typically takes place around the first anniversary of the death, though the timing varies by community. The anniversary of the death (yahrzeit) is observed annually with the lighting of a memorial candle and the recitation of Kaddish.

Cremation

Orthodox Judaism strictly forbids cremation. The prohibition is deeply held and considered one of the clearest directives in Jewish law. The body must be returned to the earth intact so that it may be raised at the resurrection.

A person who chooses cremation may be denied traditional Jewish burial rites, though rabbinical authorities have some pastoral discretion in difficult circumstances.

Reform and Progressive Judaism take a less absolute position. Some Reform rabbis will officiate at funerals where cremation follows, though burial remains the strongly preferred option across all branches of Judaism.

The Chevra Kadisha in Australia

Both the Sydney Chevra Kadisha and the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha operate as not-for-profit community organisations. They provide funeral services at cost, using trained volunteers for tahara, shomrim duties, and graveside assistance.

The Chevra Kadisha model keeps costs lower than commercial funeral directors for Jewish families, because the volunteer structure removes the labour component that drives much of the professional service fee in the broader funeral industry.

For families outside Sydney and Melbourne, local rabbis can advise on burial arrangements and connect families with volunteers who can perform tahara and other rites.

What to expect if you are attending

Jewish funerals are open to non-Jewish guests. Men may be offered a kippah (head covering) at the door; wearing it is a sign of respect but not compulsory for non-Jews. Dress formally in dark or muted colours.

Do not send flowers. Make a donation to a nominated charity or bring food to the shiva house instead. Do not expect an open casket. Do not take photos at the funeral or cemetery.

If you attend shiva, follow the mourner's lead. Sit with them, listen, and do not try to minimise their grief with phrases like "they are in a better place." Practical help (bringing food, running errands) is more valued than words.

Related information

• Same-day funeral logistics (Muslim, Jewish, Hindu)
• How much does a funeral cost in Australia?
• Non-religious and secular funeral ceremonies
• Find a Jewish funeral director
• Back to: Australian funeral traditions

Frequently asked questions

What happens at a Jewish funeral?

The body undergoes tahara (ritual purification) and is dressed in plain white shrouds. A shomer watches over the body until burial. The funeral includes Psalms, a eulogy, and the El Moley Rachamim prayer. Attendees take turns shovelling earth onto the coffin. Mourners then observe shiva for seven days.

Does Judaism allow cremation?

Orthodox Judaism strictly forbids cremation. The body must be buried in a plain wooden casket. Reform Judaism may permit cremation, but burial remains strongly preferred across all branches.

What is shiva?

Shiva is a 7-day mourning period after burial. The family stays home, sits on low chairs, covers mirrors, and receives visitors. Community members bring food. Shiva is followed by shloshim (30 days of reduced mourning).

Should I bring flowers to a Jewish funeral?

No. Flowers are not part of the Jewish funeral tradition. Charity donations in memory of the deceased are the preferred alternative.

What is the Chevra Kadisha?

The Chevra Kadisha is a volunteer community organisation responsible for preparing the body for burial. In Australia, the Sydney and Melbourne Chevra Kadisha operate as not-for-profit funeral providers.