Burial Services

Your Jewish Burial Services in San Diego, CA

The decision between burial and cremation is one of the major decisions that need to be made when a death occurs and it usually depends on a variety of things. If the family has traditionally chosen a Jewish burial service in previous generations, they may decide to choose earth burial as the family might own plots together in a local cemetery.

By Jewish custom and tradition, burial at a Jewish cemetery is the preferred end-of-life option. AM Israel Mortuary offers the following burial service packages depending on how elaborate you desire the ceremony to be:

Graveside Service

This burial service option includes the necessary staff and equipment for holding a ceremony at the cemetery.

Chapel or Synagogue Service

This burial package consists of a more elaborate funeral service at a chapel or synagogue, and then a simpler ceremony at the cemetery.

Do not hesitate to contact us by phone - 619-583-8850 or by email - info@amisraelmortuary.com for any questions regarding the packages above.

Jewish Burial Customs

Jewish burial services follow a specific set of guidelines. Below is a list of traditional Jewish burial customs. Today, there is flexibility when it comes to these burial customs and it may be acceptable to not follow them or follow a variation of them.
  • A Jewish funeral usually occurs as soon as possible after the death.
  • A Jewish tradition does not incorporate a viewing, visitation, or a wake.
  • Prior to the funeral service, the immediate family usually gathers and participates in the "keriah" where a visible part of clothing such as a lapel, shirt collar, or pocket is torn as sign of mourning. Today, the practice has shifted to tearing a black ribbon off from a lapel, short collar, or pocket. 
  • The body is buried in a plain wooden casket.
  • The body is washed and not embalmed. 
  • During the funeral service, the casket is often kept closed. 
  • The rabbi usually administers a funeral service that is short, reflective, and solemn. 
  • At the graveside service, it is common for the family and guests to actually participate in the actual burial. Each person will generally place a few shovels of soil onto the casket. 

Turn to Us for Help

We are proud to provide the San Diego, CA community with guidance regarding the Jewish burial process. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about burial services before planning.

Learn More About Our Online Memorials
Sources:
  1. Shiva.com. (2017). Jewish funerals and burial. Retrieved from: http://www.shiva.com/learning-center/death-and-mourning/burial/
  2. Everplans. (2017). Religious perspectives on holding a viewing, wake, or visitation. Retrieved from: https://www.everplans.com/articles/jewish-funeral-traditions
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