Cleveland Rabbis Set Standards of Behavior at Jewish Funerals

The Greater Cleveland Board of Rabbis issued a statement here today dealing with “appropriate behavior” by Jewish mourners in connection with funeral services. Among the recommendations is a warning against “visitation hours” at funeral homes preceding the rites, and against public “viewing” of the deceased. The statement urged that the practice of combining Jewish services with Masonic or other fraternal lodge rites should be discouraged.

The statement criticized sociability, particularly “at the gathering for funeral services.” Bereaved families were advised not to “receive” after the service at the graveside. The statement criticized the serving of alcoholic drinks to those coming to comfort the mourners, and urged against serving meals after a funeral when the meals assume “the proportions of a feast.”