Jewish Funerals

• Jewish funerals are governed by a set of rituals and traditions which particularly apply to the seven immediate family members; the spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister.
• Some of the rituals may differ according to the different Jewish communities. Sephardi Jews originate from Spain and the Middle East and Ashkenazi Jews originate from Eastern Europe and Russia . Whilst Sephardi Jews have a strong communal bond, Ashkenazi may be divided into Orthodox, Conservative and Reform communities
• Every Jewish community has a burial society called a Chevra Kadisha who prepare the body for burial and help make the funeral arrangements.
• Jewish burials are usually held within 24 hours of death, but may be delayed if immediate family members have to travel long distances.
• Most Jews are buried in a cemetary and some communities consider cremation a desecration of the body.
• At the cemetery, the family and friends congregate in a small chapel with the coffin.
• A symbolic small tear (Keriah) may be made in the mourner's clothes which represents a broken heart
• A eulogy (hesped) is given by the rabbi or close family friend.
• The Kaddish, an ancient prayer is recited in Hebrew and again after the coffin has been interred.
• The coffin is taken to the gravesite and it is considered an honour to help shovel in the earth.
• There is a symbolic washing of hands by everyone and everyone returns home.
• In the evening, the first shiva will take place. This is the time when the mourners stay at home and will be visited by friends and acquaintances. A year of official mourning follows and certain communities will have specific customs associated with the year 

Source: http://www.ifishoulddie.co.uk/religious_traditions.htm