levayah

Levayah is a Hebrew word meaning "escort" or "accompanying." In the context of Jewish tradition, it refers to the funeral procession and the accompanying of the deceased to their burial place. This act is considered a significant mitzvah (commandment) and an expression of respect for the departed.

The levayah typically begins after the funeral service, which may take place at a synagogue, funeral home, or cemetery chapel. Mourners and friends walk behind the hearse or pallbearers, accompanying the casket. This procession is often accompanied by recitations of prayers, such as Tikkun Chatzot or chapters from Psalms, and sometimes by the singing of specific hymns. The act of walking with the deceased is seen as a final act of kindness and a recognition of their passage from this world.

The customs surrounding the levayah can vary among different Jewish denominations and communities. However, the core principle of escorting the deceased to their final resting place with reverence and communal support remains consistent. It is a somber yet important ritual that emphasizes the value of human life and the communal responsibility towards the departed and their grieving family. The levayah concludes at the gravesite, where the burial takes place.