Jewish Funeral in Finland: Traditions and Practices
· Updated · 3 min read
Summary
A Jewish funeral in Finland follows millennia-old Jewish traditions. The burial is arranged as soon as possible after death and includes ritual washing, simple burial garments, and coffin burial. The Jewish community in Finland is small but active, and the Jewish congregations of Helsinki and Turku maintain their own cemeteries. Under the Burial Act 457/2003, the deceased's convictions and wishes must be respected, and the Freedom of Religion Act 453/2003 safeguards the practice of religion. The Helsinki congregation's burial society, Chevra Kadisha, was founded in 1864.
Tahara and preparation
In Jewish tradition, preparing the deceased for burial is a sacred task. The chevra kadisha, or burial society, performs the tahara washing, in which the deceased is ritually washed and dressed in simple white tachrichim garments. A vigil (shmirah) is kept at the deceased's side until burial. The coffin is traditionally a simple wooden coffin without metal decorations, symbolising equality in death. The deceased is treated respectfully at every stage.
Funeral ceremony
The funeral ceremony, or levaya, is usually held in the cemetery chapel and then at the graveside; the Jewish cemetery in Helsinki has its own chapel. Tradition favours a quick burial, but in Finland the burial usually takes place within a few days, because the deceased may be buried only once the cause of death has been established and a doctor has issued a burial permit. Burials are not held on the Sabbath or Jewish holidays. The ceremony includes the reading of psalms, a hesped memorial speech recalling the deceased's life and virtues, and the el male rachamim prayer. The coffin is carried to the grave, and participants throw three shovelfuls of soil onto the coffin as a final sign of respect. The Kaddish prayer is recited at the conclusion. Flowers are not traditionally brought to Jewish funerals.
Shiva and mourning period
After the burial, the seven-day shiva mourning period begins. Close family gathers in one home, where they receive condolence visits. Traditional customs include sitting on low chairs, covering mirrors, and avoiding leather footwear. The community cares for the mourning family by bringing food, and prayer services requiring a minyan are often held at the mourners' home. Shiva is followed by shloshim, which ends 30 days after the burial and during which there is a gradual return to everyday life. After the death of a parent, a close relative recites the Kaddish daily for eleven months, and it is also recited every year on the anniversary of the death (yahrzeit).
Practices in Finland
In Finland, Jewish funerals are handled through the Jewish congregation of Helsinki or Turku. The congregations have their own cemeteries where Jewish burial traditions are observed. The Jewish cemetery in Helsinki is in Hietaniemi (Tuonelankuja 5) and was taken into use in 1895; the Jewish cemetery in Turku is part of the Turku cemetery and was taken into use in the 19th century. Funeral arrangements begin by contacting the congregation. In Helsinki, burials of congregation members are handled by the volunteer Chevra Kadisha in accordance with Orthodox Jewish law. A burial fee is charged, lower for members than for non-members; current terms are given on the congregation's website. The Freedom of Religion Act 453/2003 safeguards the Jewish community's right to practise its own funeral customs within Finnish legislation.
Frequently asked questions
What is tahara?
Tahara is a Jewish ritual washing in which members of the chevra kadisha group wash and prepare the deceased for burial. The washing follows a specific ritual procedure, and the deceased is dressed in simple white burial garments called tachrichim. Tahara symbolises purification and equality in death, as everyone is buried in the same simple garments regardless of wealth. The ritual is performed by persons of the same sex.
Does Jewish tradition accept cremation?
Traditionally, Judaism does not accept cremation but requires coffin burial. This is based on the belief in the sanctity of the body and the future resurrection. Orthodox Judaism prohibits cremation absolutely, while Reform and Conservative Judaism may take a more flexible approach. Burials of the Jewish Community of Helsinki are carried out as coffin burials in accordance with Orthodox Jewish law (halakha) and tradition. Under the Finnish Burial Act 457/2003, the deceased's convictions and wishes must be respected in burial and cremation.
What does shiva mean?
Shiva is a Jewish seven-day mourning period that begins after the burial. During shiva, close family members spend time at home, receive condolence visits, and participate in daily prayer services. Traditional customs include sitting on low chairs, covering mirrors, and wearing the garment torn at the funeral (keria). The community brings food to the mourning family, and prayer services are often held at the mourners' home. Shiva ends on the seventh day.
How does a Jewish funeral ceremony proceed?
The Jewish funeral ceremony, or levaya, is usually held in the cemetery chapel and at the graveside. The ceremony includes the reading of psalms, a hesped memorial speech, and the el male rachamim prayer. The coffin is carried to the grave, and family members and participants throw soil onto the grave. The Kaddish prayer is recited at the conclusion of the burial. The ceremony is typically simple and dignified. Flowers are not traditionally brought to Jewish funerals.
Can non-Jews attend a Jewish funeral?
Yes, non-Jews are welcome to attend Jewish funerals. It is good to know that flowers are not traditionally brought, and dress is subdued. Men cover their heads with a kippah, which is often provided at the service. Participants may throw soil onto the grave, which is a sign of respect. Condolences are expressed by saying 'May their memory be a blessing'. Respect the family's wishes and follow the example of others.
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