[181] In Hebrew אוננים and אבלים; the former term is applied to the mourners during the time between the death and the interment of their relatives; the latter after the interment during the whole period of mourning. [↑]
[182] Some consider it a dishonour to the departed to leave the corpse unburied over night, since the Law does not allow even the body of a criminal to be treated in this way. The practice may also have commended itself on sanitary grounds. [↑]
[183] The shroud is made of white linen. The kittel or sargenes is part of the raiment in which the dead are clothed. It is the custom in some countries that the bride presents the bridegroom with this article on the wedding-day; and it is worn by the husband on New-Year’s Day and on the Day of Atonement, and on the Seder-evening during the Service. Some think that the object of wearing it is to remind us of death, and thus turn our thoughts away from the vanities of earthly life.—The custom has probably its origin in the fact that the white kittel was the festive garment of the day. [↑]
[184] In Hebrew בית החיים or בית עלמין “the house of life” or “the house of eternity.” [↑]
[185] The case is known by the name of מת מצוה “the corpse which claims attention as a mitsvah.” [↑]
[186] The usual formula is, “May the Almighty comfort you together with those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.” These words are addressed to the mourners when they return from the grave to the Hall, while passing the line (שורה) formed by those present, and are repeated during the week of mourning, especially on Friday evening when the mourners enter the Synagogue. When the Service is over, the mourners return home, and partake of a meal prepared for them by friends or neighbours (סעודת הבראה). In days of old wine was taken on that occasion (Kethubhoth 8b), but this custom, like several others, has dropped into oblivion. In the Grace the section which begins ובנה “And build,” is modified during the week of mourning in order to give expression to the sentiments of the mourners. [↑]
[187] During the week of mourning the mourners (1) remain at home, with the exception of Sabbath; (2) abstain from work and business; (3) hold the Morning and the Evening Services at home, and add appropriate psalms (such as xvi. and xlix.), prayers, and meditations; (4) sit on the floor or on low chairs; (5) listen to no music, avoid play, and all kinds of amusement, and (6) let the hair grow long.—During the rest of the month—or of the year, in case of mourning for father or mother—the last two observances are followed; the hair is only cut when it has become cumbersome as well as unsightly, and a banquet is only attended when it is a סעודת מצוה. [↑]
[188] A symbol of the soul of the departed, in reference to Prov. xx. 27. [↑]
[189] The three principal mitsvoth are: Study of the Law (תורה), Divine Service (עבודה), and Charity (גמלות חסדים). As regards the first, a section of the Mishnah is studied daily; as regards the second, the bereaved, during the year of mourning, or on the Jahrzeit, acts as Reader in the Synagogue for the whole or part of the Service; and as regards the third, relief is given to the poor in memoriam. [↑]