The duty of the mourning falls upon the death of seven relatives. Father, Mother, Husband, Wife, Child, Brother, and Sister. These mourners are obligated to rend the garments they wear, at the time of the beloved's death. At the death of a parent, the rent is made on all clothes at the left side opposite the heart. At the death of other relatives (husband, wife, child, brother or sister) the rent is made on the right side of outer garments only.

Immediately after the funeral the seven days of mourning (Shivah) begin, the day of burial being counted as the first day. The Shivah ends on the morning of the seventh day, one hour of mourning on that day being sufficient. During the period of Shiva the mourners sit on low stools, and felt, cloth or rubber shoes are worn.

A light (a symbol of the Soul) is kept burning in the house of mourning during the shiva.

The mourners abstain from all festivities or amusement during the thirty days (the Sholoshim) following the death of a close relative. But for parents they do not take part in any festivity for the entire twelve months following the death.

There is no mourning on the Sabbath, as well as on the festivals. Therefore if the funeral ends even one hour before the holiday is ushered in, the Shiva is considered terminated.

The same holds true for the Sholoshim. If the shiva is ended before the holiday begins, the Sholoshim is considered ended at that time.

If the death occurs during the holiday, both the Shiva and the Sholoshim commence at the termination of the holiday.

If one was not present at the death of a relative, but was informed within the first thirty days, he is obliged to sit Shiva, but if the news arrives after thirty days one observes the mourning, by sitting just one hour.

The Rabbi should be notified immediately unless the death occurs on the Sabbath (from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday) In which case he should be notified immediately at the end of the Sabbath.

No removals are made on the Sabbath, unless the death occured in a public place, or the remains would be a health hazard.

If the death was from a violent cause all blood stained clothing should be removed with the remains and placed in the casket.

Embalming is not usually practiced, but can be allowed by permission of the Rabbi, or if Civil Law Requires.

The remains are usually dressed and casketed on the morning of the funeral service.

The remains are ususally ceremoniously washed Taharah by a group of men or women called Chevra Kadishah).

The remains are dressed in a shroud Tachrichim

The casket should be made of wood (Metal cannot be used) and constructed with wooden pegs and wooden rope handles. And Adorned only with a wooden Star of David.

A bag of Palestine earth is placed under the head of the deceased.

The casket is closed before the service begins, and it is preferred that it remains closed thereafter.

No Funerals are to be held on the Sabbath.

Flowers are not permitted.

Cremation is not permitted.

Your Funeral Director should provide the family with shiva candles, stools, and a Yahrzeit calendar.