Anninut: The period of time between death and the funeral. 

       Avel: The Hebrew term for a mourner after the funeral. Before burial the term onen is used.

       Chevra Kadisha: Literally, The Holy Society. A group of individuals who prepare a body for burial.

       Kaddish: The prayer recited by mourners in honor of their deceased loved one; it affirms God’s presence in life.

       K’riah: Tearing of a garment or ribbon as a sign of mourning.

       Met: Literally, the dead one. The Hebrew term for the deceased.

       Nichum Avelim: The mitzvah of consoling the mourners.

       Onen: Hebrew term for a survivor between the time of death and the funeral.  

       Shivah: Literally, seven. The name given to the first stage of mourning which begins after the funeral.

       Shloshim: Literally, thirty. The second stage of mourning which lasts for thirty days after the funeral.

       Tahara: Literally, cleansing. The Ritual washing of the body, performed by the Hevra Kadisha. 

       Takhrikhin: Shrouds. The traditional burial garments. Yahrzeit: The anniversary of the date of death according to the Hebrew calendar.

       Yizkor: The Memorial service.