Jewish end of life values provide respect for the deceased and comfort to mourners
The National Association of Chevra Kadisha offers guidance on Jewish burial, mourning, living wills, and more to help you understand and plan for the end-of-life journey.

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From mourning rituals to Kaddish to the afterlife, find the information you need here.
01
End of life decisions
Planning for death makes it easier for loved ones. Find information on Halachic Living Wills, Halachic Wills, Mourning and Burial Procedures here.
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02
Death & Afterlife
What happens when someone dies? Find resources on Jewish belief on death and the afterlife.
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03
Burial & Funeral
Jewish rituals, laws and traditions surrounding death and burial are holy, complex, and healing. Learn more here.
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04
Cremation
Though Jewish law forbids cremation, 50% of US Jews are cremated. NASCK provides alternatives.
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05
Kaddish
Kaddish is a sacred ritual that honors loved ones after they have passed. Learn more about this prayer here.
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06
Shiva, Mourning & Grief
How do Jews mourn? How do I honor my loved one? What does Judaism say about grief?
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ASK THE RABBI
Your questions, answered
Our Rabbis and staff answer oft-asked questions on Jewish death and mourning – find what you need here or ask your own question. For more information you can also search the site by topic.
NASCK Initiatives

End Cremation
Last Kindness enables every Jew — regardless of how he or she lived their life — to choose Jewish burial.
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Last Kindness
Last Kindness enables every Jew — regardless of how he or she lived their life — to choose Jewish burial.
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South Florida Jewish Cemetery
NASCK’S most ambitious project: A cemetery that allows Jews to choose burial over cremation, regardless of their means.
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Halachic Living Wills & EMES Cards
Enact your own Halachic Living Will, or set up a Community Sign-Up event with our free toolkit.
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Kaddish
Kaddish is a sacred ritual that honors loved ones after they have passed.
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Shabbos Vayechi
NASCK’s annual End-of-Life Awareness program, which takes place every Parshas Vayechi, reaches over 100,000 people around the world.
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Nichum V'Nechama (To Comfort & Be Comforted)
Practical guides and information about shiva and mourning rituals and how to comfort others.
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