Jewish Terminology Glossary

Aninut

This period occurs from the moment one learns about the death of a loved one until burial. During this time, a person is not technically a mourner; however, they are exempt from most mitzvot (commandments) to focus on arranging the funeral and burial.

Chevra Kadisha

An organization of Jewish men and women dedicated to preparing the bodies of Jews for burial according to Halacha (Jewish law) while ensuring protection from desecration until burial.

Kaddish

The Mourner's Kaddish is recited facing Jerusalem and consists of praise and glorification of God. It expresses hope for the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. It is recited for eleven months after the death of a parent, spouse, child, or sibling and subsequently on each anniversary after death.

Minyan

Refers to a group of ten Jewish men (aged 13 or older), the minimum number required for communal worship.

Sheloshim

A secondary period of mourning lasting for 30 days. During this time, mourners gradually resume normal social and professional duties but maintain certain restrictions, such as refraining from cutting hair, shaving, or attending social and religious events.

Shemirah

This ritual act involves guarding or watching over the deceased's body as a sign of respect. In traditional Jewish practice, the deceased is not left alone from the time of death until burial.

Shiva

A seven-day mourning period following the death of a close relative. During Shiva, ordinary work is prohibited, and mourners sit without shoes on low stools or on the floor. Friends and family visit to pay their respects and provide support.

Shomer

A person responsible for watching over the deceased. This duty can be either hired or assigned to friends and congregants.

Shroud

According to tradition, the deceased is wrapped in a plain linen cloth, known as a shroud or wrapping for the dead, before burial.

Tahara

A traditional purification ritual performed before burial, involving the washing of the deceased's body as an act of religious purification. It symbolizes leaving the world as pure as a baby entering it.

Tallit

A prayer shawl with four corners, usually made of wool, where men are buried. The fringes on its corners are knotted in accordance with biblical law.

Unveiling

A ceremony held after the Kaddish mourning period (11 months for parents and 30 days for other close relatives) but no later than one year after the death to unveil the memorial stone.

Yahrzeit

The anniversary of the death of a close relative, such as a mother, father, sibling, or child. It is observed by lighting a candle that burns for 24 hours and reciting the Kaddish.

Yizkor

A prayer commemorating the dead, recited on the last days of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, as well as on Yom Kippur. It also refers to the memorial service on these days when congregation members remember their deceased relatives.