The Torah tells that G-d “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). When a person dies, their soul (true self) has left the body, and the body should be respected by being returned back to nature as soon as possible.

The name Adam comes from the Hebrew word adamah which means “earth” or “soil”.

Funerals are generally held as soon as possible after death – often on the same day. The body is not embalmed and post-mortems are avoided if possible.

Mourners traditionally tear an item of clothing that they are wearing either when they hear the news or before the start of the funeral in order publicly to show their grief, and continue to wear it during the week of mourning (shiva).

Most people keep a candle lit throughout the shiva week, and sit on low chairs at home to receive condolence visits. Other traditions include covering mirrors in order to focus on feelings rather than appearances, and not listening to music.

Traditionally mourners do not buy new clothes, go to the theatre or concerts, or attend parties for the whole year after a close relative’s death.

It is traditional for people to visit family graves on the anniversary of their death (Yahrzeit) and before Rosh haShanah, and to leave small pebbles on a grave when they visit. Memorial candles are also lit on the anniversary of the death.

What family or cultural traditions do you have that are similar to or different from these Jewish traditions for marking lifecycle events?

Why do you think a funeral is described as a levayah which literally means “accompanying” the body? Accompanying it from where to where?