Immediate Steps After Death

What to Do, Whom to Call | Role of Rabbi or Synagogue

What to Do, Whom to Call

What to Do

It is traditional for all those present to recite Baruch Dayan Ha-Emet (Praised is the True Judge) immediately upon death (or, if not present, upon learning of the death).

Mourners [see Who Is a Mourner?] also perform kri'a ("tearing" of a piece of clothing), though this may be done before the funeral or the burial.

In addition, any of those present may assist with these steps:

   * Close the eyes and mouth of the deceased and straighten the limbs.

   * Cover the deceased with a sheet.

   * Open the windows in the room where the deceased is lying. (If weather is an issue, open a window, then close it as needed.)

   * Place a lighted candle near the head of the deceased (not done on Shabbat; on Yom Tov, kindle from a pre-existing flame).

   * Cover the mirrors in the room where the deceased is lying. (If at home, cover all mirrors in the home.)

Before the body is picked up (usually by the funeral home) [see Whom to Call below], take time to say goodbye to the deceased, as much time as you need. Don't let yourself be rushed.

The deceased should not be left unattended, so right after death, one begins sh'mira ("watching" of the body). See About Chevra Kadisha for more information about sh'mira and tahara ("purification" of the body, or, more generally, traditional preparation of the body for burial).

If the deceased died in a hospital or other medical setting, medical personnel may remove tubes, needles, etc.

Whom to Call

If you have made pre-need arrangements, you will likely have a handy list of phone numbers for final arrangements. [See Planning Ahead for Death.]

In any case, here is a simple list of steps to be taken:

   * If the family is affiliated with a synagogue, contact the rabbi. Ask if there is a preferred way to contact the funeral home.

   * If the family is unaffiliated, contact the funeral home.

   * If a traditional burial is desired, contact (or have the rabbi contact) the Chevra Kadisha [see About Chevra Kadisha], the sacred burial team who prepares the body for burial. (This preparation task is often done by the funeral home, or they make contact a community or synagogue-affiliated Chevra Kadisha.)

   * Contact the important family members of the deceased to inform them of the death. As appropriate, let them know that arrangements are still being determined and that you will keep them informed.

The funeral home will likely make arrangements for the body of the deceased to be picked up.

Note: If this is not a natural death (such as a violent death), or if the deceased is an organ or tissue donor, the pattern may differ in some respects.

What if we don't have burial plots?

Usually consultation with clergy can facilitate purchase of an appropriate cemetery plot. This can be taken care of while making the other burial arrangements.

The Role of the Rabbi or Synagogue

The rabbi or synagogue representative can help in many ways. They know whom to contact to take care of what needs attention, such as contacting the funeral home that is most appropriate; contacting the Chevra Kadisha (team who prepares the body for burial); notifying the caring committee of the community to help the family; assisting with arrangements for burial and the funeral service and transportation of the body as needed; providing shiva candles; making shiva minyan arrangements; and other things that help the family at this vulnerable time. The rabbi can also help counsel the family in a number of ways, including but not limited to helping them understand Jewish mourning practices, providing emotional support and guidance, and offering spiritual leadership.