Aron (ah-ron): Traditional Jewish casket – all wood crafted, unlined and containing no metal. Created to return to the earth.
Kriah (kree-ah): The tearing of clothing by the immediate mourner as an expression of grief.
Levayah (le-vay-ya): Hebrew name for funeral.
Mikvah (mick-vah): Ritual bath used for washing the deceased during tahara.
Minyan: A group of ten Jewish men, or men and women, required for public prayer. They are also sometimes required to recite the Mourner's Kaddish.
Shiva (sh-va): The 7-day mourning period directly following the burial*There are certain holidays and times throughout the year that end the shiva period prior to the 7 days.
Shomer (show-mer): “Watcher” – someone who guards the body until burial. The act of watching is called “shemirah.”
Shroud (shr-owd): Simple, full clothing garment made of muslin or linen containing no pockets or zippers.
Yahrzeit (yar-tz-ite): The anniversary of one’s passing according to the Hebrew calendar.