There are several thorough and lucid sources of information on Jewish laws and customs regarding death and mourning.

The Bond of Life, ed. Rabbi Jules Harlow (The Rabbinical Assembly, N.Y., 1983). Upon learning of the bereavement of one of its members, This is an excellent compilation of readings, instructions about observances, and the weekday services.

The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, Rabbi Maurice Lamm (Jonathan David Publishers. N.Y., 1969). Perhaps the best source of information in one volume, this has been a major source for this manual.

To Be a Jew, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin (Basic Books, Inc., N.Y., 1972).

A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice. Isaac Klein (Jewish Theological Seminary, N.Y., 1979).

The Complete Book of Jewish Observance, Leo Trepp (Behrman House, N.Y., 1980).

O. Glossary

Aninut the period of mourning between death and the funeral service.

El Malei Rachamim a memorial prayer chanted at funerals, unveilings, and Yizkor services. It asks that God grant shalom to the soul of the departed.

Hevra Kaddisha a society of Jews who perform the rites of shmira and tahara.

Kippot traditional skull caps (plural). Kippah is singular.

Kri'ah a ritual act, performed just before the funeral service, of tearing or cutting a garment or a ribbon provided for the purpose. It symbolizes the inner tear made by death in the life of the mourner.

Ma'ariv the service recited daily after nightfall. It consists of the Shema (and its blessings), the Amida, Aleynu, and Mourners Kaddish.

Memorial phrases Phrases commonly seen on Jewish monuments are (po nikbar/nikbera) abbreviated as (