Orthodox Jewish Funeral Practices - Leiby Kletzky

[lizaanne]

I’ve just finished reading this article and watching the videos. What a horrific crime.

nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2011/07/15/2011-07-15_i_just_cant_stand_to_see_something_like_this_happening_in_our_community_how_his_.html?page=2

In the video of the funeral, I notice that there are no women. I am interesting in learning more about Orthodox Jewish funeral practices, specifically why there are no women present, or if they participate in part but not all of the burial ritual. I understand the practice of Shiva, which occurs after the funeral, and is for both men and women.

My heart breaks for this community, for this family, and for all those who have been so wounded by this unnecessary violence.

~Liza

 

[wisdomseeker]

Yes, so am I. this is really horrific. May God have pity on them during these hours of agony.

 

[Allegra]

Oh, how awful!

 

[lizaanne]

Seriously?? No one???

~Liza

 

[jessicaj]

I don’t know a whole lot about the funeral practices specifically, but I do know that Orthodox Jews have a strong sense of modesty which leads them to segregate the sexes in many aspects of their life, including religious ceremonies such as funerals. For example, it is considered improper for a man to listen to a woman sing because a woman’s voice is considered to be a part of her sensuality that is only for her husband (this may only be for Hasidic Orthodox Jews, so someone feel free to correct me if necessary). Sorry I cannot be of more help!

 

[TrueLight]

Hopefully Meltzerboy will chime in.

I hope he is not at all related to this family.

 

[Zhenia]

I was raised as an Orthodox Jew, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. As to the issue of women at funerals, women and men are kept separate by a mechitzah (a dividing curtain or wall) during services, for reasons of tznius (modesty).

 

[lizaanne]

I was raised as an Orthodox Jew, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. As to the issue of women at funerals, women and men are kept separate by a mechitzah (a dividing curtain or wall) during services, for reasons of tznius (modesty).

Thank you!!! That makes sense to me, I had not considered the modesty factor. I would imagine that in addition to sexual modesty, at a time of mourning there would be emotional modesty as well between men and women - is this an accurate assessment?

~Liza

 

[meltzerboy]

Hopefully Meltzerboy will chime in.

I hope he is not at all related to this family.

Thank you, TrueLight. No, I am not related to the family, but, the same as everyone, I think this was a horrible crime and feel deep sadness for the family of the little boy. Zhenia already answered lizaanne’s question beautifully.

 

[Zhenia]

Thank you!!! That makes sense to me, I had not considered the modesty factor. I would imagine that in addition to sexual modesty, at a time of mourning there would be emotional modesty as well between men and women - is this an accurate assessment?

~Liza

Yes, that’s also true.