Mourner's Guide.pdf

Sydenham Highlands North Hebrew Congregation provides a concise guide for mourners, including important telephone numbers, scheduling the funeral, minimizing delay, prayers, and other arrangements. Key points include:
- Contact the Chevrah Kadisha and Rabbi to schedule the funeral
- Bury the deceased as soon as possible, preferably on the same day
- Prayers should take place in the home of the deceased, ideally in the evening
- Mourners are not expected to host or serve tea during prayers
- Yahrtzeit candles should be lit throughout Shiva
- The home should be arranged for prayers with separate areas for men and women
- Female mourners should participate meaningfully and hear what is being said
- Prayer books and a copy of "The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning" can be collected from the Shul
- Mourners should sit on something low, close to the floor
- Mirrors and reflective glass should be covered
- The family should arrive at Westpark 30 minutes before the funeral
- The Chevrah Kadisha will require the ID Book and other personal details of the deceased
- Viewing the body is a non-Jewish practice and not recommended
- Kriyah, rending the garments, is a traditional manner to give vent to grief, applying to both men and women.