---
title: "Orthodox Jewish Burial Practices — Rose Hill Cemetery"
description: "Tahara, shroud, kosher casket, shomer, and the unveiling of the monument — Orthodox Jewish burial practices observed at Rose Hill."
lang: en
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---

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Burial Practices

# Orthodox Jewish burial, with care and tradition.

Every burial at Rose Hill follows full Orthodox practice — Tahara, shroud, kosher casket, and shomer — observed for more than a century.

## The four pillars

-   **Tahara —** the ritual washing and purification of the deceased.
-   **Shroud —** simple white burial garments (muslin, linen, or Israel sand).
-   **Kosher casket —** a plain wooden casket with no metal hardware.
-   **Shomer —** a guardian who accompanies the deceased from death to burial.

## Formally unveiling the monument

The service of unveiling — or commemoration — is a formal dedication of the monument. It is customary to hold the unveiling within the first year after death; it can be held anytime between the end of _shivah_ and the first yahrzeit.

Unveilings are held on specific days when grave visitations may be made. They are held in all weather and, in our day, precisely on time. With a shortage of rabbis for the large number of unveilings that are concentrated in the few Sundays of spring and fall, it is advisable to call the Rabbi many weeks in advance and to set the date after consulting with him.

The unveiling ceremony is the formal removal of a veil, cloth, or handkerchief draped over the stone. It symbolizes the completion of the tombstone. The unveiling may be performed during the service by anyone the family designates.

The service consists of the recitation of several Psalms — 1, 15, 23, 90, 91, 103, and 121, and on certain days when Tachanun is not recited, Psalm 16; a eulogy; the removal of the veil; and the El Mal’e Rachamim and Kaddish. For purposes of reciting the Kaddish, a Minyan is required. If no Minyan is available, the unveiling may still be held, but without the Kaddish.

The rabbi may suggest placing a pebble on the monument upon leaving. This custom probably serves as a reminder of the family’s presence — and may hark back to Biblical days when the monument was a heap of stones. Visitors placed additional stones to assure that the grave was marked.

Customarily, a rabbi will deliver the eulogy; if the family prefers, they may designate a family member or friend to do this. If the rabbi was not personally acquainted with the deceased, it is advisable to outline the deceased’s life and goals before the service.

Unveiling cards are often sent to friends and family several weeks in advance. One should be sent to the rabbi as well. Care should be taken to record the precise location of the grave and clear instructions on how to reach the cemetery and the gravesite.

Eating and drinking on the cemetery grounds are in questionable taste and should be discouraged.

RH 

Rose Hill Cemetery

Est. 1892 · Commerce City, CO

An Orthodox Jewish cemetery serving all Jews throughout the Denver community, regardless of synagogue or temple affiliation, for more than 130 years.

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-   6841 East 62nd Avenue  
    Commerce City, CO 80022 
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    Closed Shabbat & Jewish holidays 

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