Posts by Mark Sunshine
Kriah: Understanding Jewish Mourning Rituals
Kriah: Understanding Jewish Mourning Rituals Kriah: Understanding Jewish Mourning Rituals. Grief is a universal experience, yet each culture has its own way of expressing it. In Jewish tradition, the practice of kriah stands out. This ancient ritual involves the tearing of clothes when a loved one passes away. It is a profound expression of sorrow and…
Read MoreThe Star of David: What Does It Mean?
The Star of David: What Does It Mean? The Star of David: What Does It Mean? The Star of David, known in Hebrew as the “Shield of David” or “Magan David,” is an enduring and powerful emblem of the Jewish faith. This six-pointed star has been a symbol of Jewish identity, culture, and religion for…
Read MoreChesed Shel Emet: Honoring True Acts of Kindness
In the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition, certain concepts stand out for their profound moral and spiritual depth. One of the most significant is Chesed Shel Emet, a Hebrew phrase that translates to “kindness of truth” or, more simply, “true kindness.” It represents the purest and most selfless form of compassion one can offer. This…
Read MoreTattoos and Jewish Burial: Can You Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery with Tattoos?
Tattoos and Jewish Burial: Can You Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery with Tattoos? Tattoos and Jewish Burial: Can You Be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery with Tattoos?Dispelling Myths: It is a misconception that individuals with tattoos cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Jewish law (Halacha) prohibits tattoos, but this does not prevent burial…
Read MoreWhy Do the Jewish Cover Mirrors When Someone Dies
Why Do the Jewish Cover Mirrors When Someone Dies Why Do the Jewish Cover Mirrors When Someone Dies? At Kronish Funeral, we are committed to helping families understand the traditions and customs that guide Jewish mourning. One question we are often asked is, why do the Jewish cover mirrors when someone dies? This practice has…
Read MoreWhy Do Jews Bury So Quickly? Understanding the Timeline After Death
Why Do Jews Bury So Quickly? Understanding the Timeline After Death Why Do Jews Bury So Quickly? Understanding the Timeline After Death. In times of loss, we seek meaning and comfort. Jewish burial customs—rooted in tradition and observed swiftly, often within 24 hours—offer both. This guide explores questions like “Why do Jews bury so quickly?”…
Read MoreJewish Graveside Service with Tradition and Dignity
The Jewish graveside service is a powerful, deeply meaningful ceremony rooted in thousands of years of tradition. It is a final act of respect, or kavod ha-met, for the deceased and a source of profound comfort for the mourners. This service focuses on the sanctity of life, the reality of death, and the enduring strength…
Read MoreAttending a Jewish Funeral: What to Expect
Attending a Jewish Funeral: What to Expect Attending a Jewish Funeral: What to Expect. When a loved one passes, planning or attending a funeral can feel overwhelming. At Kronish Funeral Services, we believe that understanding the traditions and flow of a Jewish funeral can provide comfort and clarity. Families often ask what to expect at…
Read MoreThe Meaning of 18 (Chai) in Jewish Funerals and Memorial Giving
🌿 The Meaning of 18 (Chai) in Jewish Funerals and Memorial Giving The Meaning of 18 (Chai) in Jewish Funerals and Memorial Giving. In Jewish tradition, numbers carry deep spiritual meaning. Among them, 18—known as chai, meaning “life” in Hebrew—stands out as a symbol of vitality, blessing, and continuity. When families honor loved ones through…
Read MoreThe Mourner’s Kaddish Is For The Living
Mourner’s Kaddish: Central to Jewish Prayer The Mourner’s Kaddish Is For The Living. Mourner’s Kaddish: Central to Jewish Prayer. The Mourner’s Kaddish is the most recognized and central prayer of the Jewish mourning ritual, even though it does not, even once, mention death. Starting with the prayer’s first verse, the Mourner’s Kaddish is a reaffirmation…
Read More