Religious Death Practices Research Paper

...

Throughout its history, Judaism has always had a belief in an afterlife as part of its belief system, but depending on the time period, the ways these beliefs were expressed has varied. Even today there are variations among the types of Judaism regarding the fate of man after death, but most branches have beliefs of an afterlife that describe the immortality of the soul, and the resurrection of the dead. The belief in the soul's survival after death is the basis of the prayers that mourners say in memorializing the deceased (Jewish Virtual Library, para Afterlife).

My family has many family friends that practice Judaism. They are very protective of the deceased and the bereaved family, and keep a hushed tone when it comes to death. They are always respectful, and very helpful to those who have lost a loved one. We have known them for many years and have always had the utmost respect for them. I have always found the prescribed periods of mourning to be interesting and comforting.

I am personally an atheist, so the theory of God, and a higher power isn't something I personally believe in. I believe in science, and that everything can be explained by it. I don't believe in the afterlife, or anything like it. My belief is that death is a natural process, and part of life, and that when it does happen, I hope I will go peacefully, but that will be the end of me.

Judaism is a rich culture that has many traditions, and many ways to respect the dead. There mourning practices are both respectful of the dead, and sensitive to the mental health of the bereaved. These practices have two main goals for those who decide to follow it: to show respect for the dead, and to comfort the living. The family is taken care of during the entire process, and even many years after. These practices are to make sure the dead and the living are always taken care of, on earth and in the afterlife.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Works Cited

"Death and Mourning in Judaism." Jewish Virtual Library. American Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. .

Parclack, R (2013). Cemetary. In H. Bar-Itzhak & R. Patai (Eds). Encyclopedia of Jewish folklore and traditions. London, United Kingdom. Routledge. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/sharpe/cemetary >

Rich, Tracey R. "Judaism 101: Life, Death and Mourning." Judaism 101: Life, Death and Mourning. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. .