Keriah

Definition

Keriah is a Jewish mourning practice that involves the ritual tearing of clothing as a sign of grief and loss following the death of a loved one. This act symbolizes the mourner's deep sorrow and is a traditional expression of mourning in Jewish culture, reflecting the emotional turmoil associated with bereavement. Keriah serves not only as an outward expression of inner pain but also connects the mourner to communal practices and beliefs regarding death and the afterlife.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Keriah is typically performed by tearing a garment, often a shirt or jacket, before the funeral service or at the cemetery.
2. The tear made during keriah is done on the left side for parents and on the right side for other relatives, such as siblings or children.
3. The act of keriah signifies the mourner's acceptance of loss and marks the beginning of their mourning process.
4. During the observance of shiva, mourners may wear their torn clothing as a reminder of their grief and connection to the deceased.
5. Keriah is not only a personal expression but also serves as a communal act that invites support from family and friends during a painful time.

Review Questions

• How does keriah function as both an individual expression of grief and a communal practice within Jewish mourning rituals?
  • Keriah serves as a personal expression of grief by allowing mourners to physically manifest their sorrow through the tearing of garments. At the same time, it acts as a communal practice that draws family and friends together, providing support during mourning. By participating in keriah, mourners not only confront their own feelings of loss but also engage with their community in shared rituals that affirm collective grief and remembrance.
• Discuss the significance of keriah in relation to other mourning practices like shiva and Kaddish in Jewish tradition.
  • Keriah is significant as it marks the initiation of the mourning process and sets the tone for subsequent rituals like shiva and Kaddish. While keriah symbolizes immediate grief through physical action, shiva provides a structured period for reflection and community support. Kaddish complements these practices by offering spiritual remembrance through prayer, thereby linking personal mourning with broader communal faith traditions. Together, they form an interconnected framework that addresses both emotional and spiritual needs during bereavement.
• Evaluate how keriah can influence the grieving process for individuals within Jewish culture, considering its emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.
  • Keriah can profoundly influence an individual's grieving process by providing an outlet for emotional expression, fostering social support, and reinforcing spiritual beliefs. The act of tearing clothing allows mourners to externalize their internal pain, which can be cathartic. Socially, keriah draws family and friends closer during times of sorrow, creating a network of support. Spiritually, it connects mourners to Jewish tradition and community values about death and remembrance. This multifaceted impact helps individuals navigate their grief while also affirming their identity within their cultural and religious context.

Related terms

Shiva: A seven-day mourning period observed by immediate family members following the burial of a loved one, during which they receive visitors and engage in prayer and reflection.

Kaddish: A prayer recited by mourners in memory of the deceased, affirming faith in God and expressing hope for peace and redemption.

Mourner's Kaddish: A specific form of Kaddish recited by those who are in mourning, traditionally said during the first year following a death.