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You and your family may or may not be into the old school style of Brooklyn burial traditions. But if you’ve got relatives that would be shocked if you varied from the Brooklyn burial customs, it’s best to have an idea of what you’re getting into.
Whether you belong to a traditional Jewish clan or live with Orthodox or conservative Christian denominations, you don’t want to veer too far from the customary services associated with the Brooklyn burial traditions. Instead, learn the ways in which you can honor your family’s Brooklyn burial customs while letting everyone grieve in peace. Rely on our experienced guidance at Harmony Funeral Home.
How Do Brooklyn Burial Traditions Work for NYC Jews?
If you’re attending a Jewish funeral, you may notice that the service is simple, focusing on prayers and readings rather than eulogies or personal stories. While customs may vary slightly between sects — such as Ashkenazi vs. Sephardic or Orthodox vs. Reform — the foundations remain the same, such as:
- Timely services. Burials typically take place as soon as possible, in line with Jewish law.
- Simple ceremonies.The service often includes prayers, psalms and readings.
- Graveside participation.You’re encouraged to take part in the burial by shoveling earth onto the casket.
Unlike other traditions, Jewish burials usually don’t include floral arrangements. Instead of bringing flowers, choose other respectful gestures, such as:
- Sending kosher meals to the family during the mourning period
- Making a charitable donation in the name of the deceased
- Writing a heartfelt condolence note to express your support
What Kind of Brooklyn Burial Customs Do Christians Expect?
Most Christian funerals begin with a religious service held at a church, chapel or funeral home and include:
- Scripture readings from the Bible
- Prayers for the soul of the deceased
- Hymns or worship songs chosen by the family
- A eulogy or remembrance speech
- Communion, in some denominations
If you’re arranging the service, it’s a good idea to speak with the family’s pastor or priest to make sure everything aligns with their beliefs. After the church service, it’s common to proceed to the cemetery for a burial to witness:
- A brief graveside prayer
- A committal where the body is formally laid to rest
- The placement of flowers or soil on the casket as a final goodbye
Can I Mix a Little Modern in with Brooklyn Burial Customs?
Many families across Brooklyn choose to blend old and new when saying goodbye. You may find that adding a few modern elements helps the burial feel more like a true reflection of your beloved’s life. Aiming for something meaningful with touches that may include:
- Creating a personal and comforting space
- Balancing family expectations with the deceased’s personality
- Blending religious services with a more open celebration of life
- Sharing stories or memories during the service
- Including favorite music, poems and readings
- Choosing a location that held meaning to the deceased
Just because you’re modernizing doesn’t mean you need to skip tradition. Hold onto meaningful customs, which many family members may appreciate while they try to let go of their strict expectations and Brooklyn burial traditions, such as:
- Having the service in a local place of worship
- Choosing traditional caskets and attire
- Arranging burial at a local Brooklyn cemetery
If you want to include family customs or cultural rituals into a burial, you should. These practices bring meaning, connection and comfort during a difficult time. In a city as diverse as Brooklyn, honoring your family’s unique traditions is possible, as the team at Harmony Funeral Home is well-equipped to support you with options that may include:
- A memory-sharing circle or storytelling ceremony
- A video tribute or photo wall
- Dove releases, candle lightings or favorite songs by local musicians
- Personalized décor with items that reflect your loved one’s life
- A homegoing celebration with music and dancing
- Traditional clothing for the deceased and mourners
- Drummers and incense burning
- Ritual repast offerings
Is Pre-Planning a Burial Helpful for Brooklyn Families?
Pre-planning gives you the space to carefully consider all the funeral details on your own terms instead of leaving your loved ones guessing or scrambling to make quick decisions. Benefits of pre-planning your burial include the fact that you:
- Stay in control
- Give your family clarity, comfort and peace of mind
- Save money by locking in current rates
- Still honor Brooklyn burial traditions in your own way
- Avoid causing family conflict
Pre-planning allows you to clearly communicate your personal wishes, include rituals from all sides of the family and the community while arranging for clergy or ceremonial leaders from multiple traditions if necessary.
Can I Have a Burial and Memorial Service on the Same Day in Brooklyn?
You can have a burial and memorial service on the same day in Brooklyn. Many families choose to do so for convenience, emotional continuity and cultural or religious reasons.
If you choose this option, you typically begin with the funeral or memorial service at a funeral home, place of worship or another venue where you do the religious or spiritual readings, prayers, eulogies and other rituals. Immediately afterward, the group proceeds to the cemetery for the burial or interment, followed by a gathering with food and fellowship. Same-day services require some planning to take into consideration things like:
- Venue availability
- Transportation for family and guests
- Cemetery rules and burial hours
- Clergy or officiant schedules
How Long Does It Take to Arrange a Burial in Brooklyn?
Some families need to move quickly due to religious customs while others may prefer a bit longer time to gather loved ones and plan thoughtfully. Funeral homes experienced with religious Brooklyn burial customs, such as Jewish or Muslim customs that call for burial within 24 hours, move swiftly to coordinate everything, including the paperwork, which Harmony Funeral Home can handle for you. Several factors may impact a timeline, however, such as:
- Religious or cultural customs
- Availability of cemetery plots and service venues
- Death certificate processing
- Whether the death occurred at home, in a hospital or out of state
Trying to organize everything in a moment of loss may feel overwhelming. The team at Harmony Funeral Home is your Brooklyn funeral home with 24/7 availability. We guide you through the steps whether you need urgent help or want a carefully planned farewell. Contact Harmony Funeral Home to take the first step toward fulfilling Brooklyn burial customs in style your way.
Harmony Funeral Home
2200 Clarendon Rd.,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666