ABSTRACT
Deaths.-As soon as a male Jew dies the body is bathed, wrapped in a winding-sheet, and placed on a cot, which is carried to the synagogue, where prayers are offered up. The corpse is then taken to the cemetery and interred. During the latter operation the priest who accompanies the procession uses some religious form of words, and all then return home. Soon after death the oldest male of the deceased's family rends his upper garment and wears it torn for seven days as a sign of mourning. The dead bodies of females and children under the age of one month are not taken to the synagogue, but are carried direct to the cemetery. Three days after death a light is burnt under the bedstead on which the deceased expired. On the third day the person engaged for the purpose removes this light, which consists of a small earthen vessel with oil and a wick; he also takes away a water-jug and a small drinking cup. These he breaks over the grave of the deceased. For seven days visits of condolence are made, and on the last day of mourning coffee is handed round. Jewish women visit the graves of relatives.
