Table of contents
A repast is a social gathering held after a funeral service, where your family, friends and others in the community spend an afternoon or evening together. Considered a grieving ritual, the repast provides space to reflect, offer condolences and share stories about the deceased. It can help you heal, knowing that your loved one touched so many other lives.
A repast typically includes shared food, whether formal or informal. Depending on your preferences and cultural background, your repast may include:
- A full sit-down meal
- A self-serve buffet
- A potluck gathering
- Simple refreshments
The repast isn’t exclusive to any one religion, although it may incorporate religious customs like prayer. At Harmony Funeral Home in Brooklyn, we support coming together after a loss. In fact, we offer repast assistance that reflects your loved one’s values and traditions.
Are Repasts a Religious Requirement or a Cultural Tradition?
What is a repast after a funeral? It’s not a religious requirement, but it’s often encouraged or deeply rooted in spiritual customs. Whether you’re planning a religious or a non-religious funeral, you can incorporate a repast. Religions that traditionally hold a repast as part of their mourning customs include:
- Christianity. For most denominations — such as Catholic, Baptist, Methodist and Protestant —a repast after a funeral is a widely practiced tradition. Many churches like to offer fellowship and comfort with a blessing before the meal.
- Judaism. The seven-day period of consolation after the burial is called sitting Shiva. This tradition always includes food, often brought by guests to the home of the bereaved.
- Islam. While not religiously required, many Muslims share meals after the Janazah, as well as on the third, seventh or 40th day.
- Hinduism. Post-funeral meals on the 10th, 11th or 13th day are widely practiced, tied to beliefs about the soul’s journey.
- Buddhism. Food is shared after funerals often on the seventh or 49th day, which is a cultural way to honor the deceased.
Even when not tied to religion, repasts serve a universal purpose. Many families observe this tradition not because of religious rules, but because it’s common in communities like Brooklyn. The repast has become a symbol of hospitality, togetherness and support. Holding a repast is a personal decision, but it can be emotionally healing and deeply appreciated by those who attended the funeral.
What Kind of Food Is Typically Served at a Repast?
While there are no strict rules about what we should serve, repast meals often reflect your cultural traditions, regional flavors or your family’s preferences. Regardless, the focus during a repast is typically on creating a peaceful, easy feeling of togetherness. Repast meals often include:
- Comfort foods. Consider casseroles, baked pasta, mashed potatoes or stews — dishes that feel familiar and are easy to prepare in large batches.
- Finger foods or buffet-style dishes. Foods that are easy to serve and eat — like sandwiches, meatballs, rolls, salads or fried chicken are common at many repasts.
- Sweet options. Cakes, cookies, fruit platters and pies are often offered either as dessert or alongside coffee and tea.
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and water are standard. In some cultures or family traditions, you may serve wine or other alcoholic beverages.
You don’t have to prepare a feast; what matters is the intention to share the time and space. Whether you offer a few trays of takeout or serve homemade dishes that remind everyone of the person who passed, food at a repast is there to comfort, not impress. Some families ask guests to bring a dish for a potluck-style repast, while others work with caterers or church volunteers. It’s up to you.
Who Hosts the Repast After a Funeral?
The deceased’s immediate family — including the spouse, children or siblings — usually takes the lead in organizing the repast. When you ask, what is a repast after a funeral, it comes down to the tasks it takes to prepare it, such as:
- Selecting a location
- Planning the meal
- Coordinating with a caterer or volunteers
- Inviting guests
This responsibility doesn’t have to fall to one person. Many families delegate tasks to close friends, extended relatives or members of their faith community to ease the burden. Other families ask their Brooklyn funeral parlor for help. The location of the repast, which often influences other decisions, may include:
- The grieving family’s home
- A church or religious center
- A community hall
- A banquet hall or restaurant
- The funeral home, in a room or reception area large enough to accommodate your gathering
You may not have the emotional or financial bandwidth to plan a repast. Ask us for guidance, since Harmony Funeral Home has overseen countless repasts. If you let us, we’ll help your friends, neighbors or members of your religious community to pull together to plan your repast gathering. Community gestures of goodwill — and even financial assistance — reflect the respect for the deceased and your family. Harmony Funeral Home can also plan the event without help.
Are Affordable Repast Options Available at Harmony Funeral Home?
Our affordable funeral services are tailored to your cultural, emotional and logistical needs. We offer affordable repast packages, too. They’re designed to ease your burden during a time when you don’t want to worry about details. We understand that hosting a repast after a funeral can be emotionally or financially overwhelming. Our curated packages respect both your traditions and your budget.
We typically make use of our on-site facilities, such as our reception area. We include the set-up and clean-up services, basic catering options, and all necessary seating and dining essentials. You choose from a selection of menu options, although we can connect you with local caterers who specialize in specific dietary or cultural preferences, such as:
- Halal
- Kosher
- Vegetarian
- Traditional soul food
We also accommodate religious customs and can arrange for a member of the clergy to deliver prayer or blessing before the meal, if requested. Choosing repast assistance from Harmony Funeral Home may streamline your tasks during a difficult emotional time. Even if you prefer to hold the repast at home, a church hall or another venue, we can recommend reliable vendors or simply answer your questions. So you never need to ask what is a repast after a funeral, contact Harmony Funeral Home in Brooklyn to let us take care of all the details.
Harmony Funeral Home
2200 Clarendon Rd.,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666