Jewish funeral customs are steeped in tradition. However, while this continues to be the path that most end-of-life ceremonies follow, there’s growing acceptance of differing and more modern elements. 

This includes the ceremonies themselves and even what the mourners might wear.

Gradually Changing Jewish Funeral Traditions: A combination of custom and contemporary

• Services remain steeped in Jewish funeral traditions
• Embracing a modern twist
• From clothes to cremation

Services remain steeped in Jewish funeral traditions

Whatever way a person or family chooses to celebrate an end-of-life service, it’s likely to be determined according to long-held Jewish traditions. From reciting the Dayan Ha’Eme prayer and assigning a Shomer, through to the seven-day and 30-day mourning periods (Shiva and Shloshim respectively), most families continue to honor traditional practices.

However, in 2024, such funeral traditions are often shaped to be more representative of the modern world.

Embracing a modern twist

Examples of how Jewish funeral traditions might be changed a little include:

• Selecting a different end-of-life service—i.e., cremation. (More on this in a moment).
• Shortening the Shiva period from the traditional seven days.
• Shortening the traditional Shloshim period from the traditional 30 days.
• Relaxing the rules that determine what can and can’t be done during Shloshim.
• Delaying the end-of-life service to give more time for family and friends to gather.
• Allowing mourners to wear less traditional clothes to the end-of-life service.

From clothes to cremation

The popularity of cremation is slowly gathering ground. There are many reasons for this, including the often-changing views of younger members of the Jewish community.

While cremation is still not widely seen within the Orthodox and Conservative denominations, the practice is becoming more commonplace for Reconstructionist and Reformists. 

This is because:

• Many Jewish burial grounds have been sold off by synagogues. The private companies that now own the land allow the interment of ashes.
• The practicalities and costs of transporting the deceased back to Israel for burial.
• Gradually changing rabbinic opinion that says, while cremation should be discouraged, it’s not considered sinful.
• A younger generation that might have different considerations about the ecological impact of their end-of-life choices. Cremation is considered by a growing number of people to be more ecologically friendly.

When it comes to clothing that’s worn to a Jewish funeral, the overarching requirement for black or dark colors is also gradually changing. Today, you’re likely to see grey, light blue, and even brighter colors being worn by mourners. While patterns remain less common, there’s also a shift towards less formal attire. 

Examples include:

• Men wearing slacks and sports coats or blazers as opposed to formal suits.
• Women wearing pantsuits or more casual separates as opposed to dresses.

Despite this, one thing that remains true is to dress modestly. You won’t see super short skirts or clothes that reveal excessive flesh being worn.

While it’s true that times are changing, rest assured that the roots of tradition still play a major role in most Jewish end-of-life customs. It’s all about honoring and remembering the deceased, according to centuries-old customs, reflecting on their life, and showing support and respect for the bereaved family.

Looking for the Latest Advice? Contact the Jewish Cremation Society Today

The Jewish Cremation Society exists to provide impartial guidance to those navigating the complex landscape of changing Jewish funeral traditions. 

Our expert team provides a confidential service through which you can ask questions and learn more about elements, such as cremation, and how this might fit into an end-of-life plan.

Rest assured, we’re not here to push uncomfortable practice. Indeed, all our advisors are committed to Jewish tradition. However, we know that there can be challenges in finding out information about elements, such as cremation, that are often unable to be discussed.

Head to web link and get in touch today for a discreet and confidential discussion.