Jewish Mourning Rituals

Jewish mourning rituals include the unveiling of the monument, recognizing the yahrzeit, the anniversary of one’s passing according to the Hebrew calendar, and the recitation of Yizkor four times during the year.

Oklahoma City Jewish Funerals, in partnership with shiva.com, provides tools and information to assist families as they honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products, and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

 

The Unveiling Ceremony

The unveiling ceremony, traditionally officiated by a rabbi, traditionally occurs approximately 12 months after the burial, and may occur any time after 30 days from the burial. During this ritual, family and friends may gather to recite prayers, share memories and unveil the monument. See a sample unveiling service

Learn more about the unveiling ceremony

 

Yahrzeit

Yahrzeit recognizes the anniversary of a loved one’s passing in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. A candle is lit at sundown the night prior to the Yahrzeit date and burns for twenty-four hours. Families may also visit the cemetery, place stones on the grave, or adhere to other customs and traditions. 

Sign up for Yahrzeit & Yizkor Reminders

 

Yizkor

Yizkor represents the public mourning observance, bringing together the community of the bereaved. Recited four times annually (on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the 8th Day of Passover, and the 2nd Day of Shavuot), this series of prayers honors the deceased's memory in a communal setting and asks mourners to give tzedahah in memory of those who have passed. The Torah reinforces these customs in the passages recited on these dates. In addition, many families commemorate their loved ones through the lighting of a yizkor candle, reciting additional prayers, visiting a cemetery, or planting a tree in Israel.

In partnership with shiva.com, we have curated resources dedicated to Yahrzeit and Yizkor

Shiva & Condolences

There are many ways to offer your support to a mourner. Jewish families traditionally sit shiva for seven days, which begins immediately following the burial.

Shiva is the first period of Jewish mourning and surrounds mourners with love, comfort and support

Understanding Grief

Grief is a normal part of loss and everyone has a different grief journey. Coping is a necessary part of this journey as it helps mourners resolve the loss of a loved one.

For grief and coping resources, please visit our grief support center

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