Top 10 Jewish Funeral Prayers

In Jewish tradition, a funeral is a sacred moment to honour the deceased, seek comfort, and affirm faith in God. Jewish funeral prayers focus on gratitude for life, remembrance, and the hope of spiritual peace.

These prayers provide solace and remind mourners of the eternal bond between loved ones and their Creator. Below are ten meaningful Jewish funeral prayers, each offering reflection and support in times of loss.

1. El Maleh Rachamim (God, Full of Mercy)

"God, full of mercy, who dwells in the heights, grant perfect rest beneath the wings of the Divine Presence to [Name], who has gone to their eternal rest. May their soul be bound up in the bond of life, and may they rest in peace. Amen."

This traditional Jewish memorial prayer asks for God’s compassion and the eternal rest of the deceased. It is commonly recited at funerals and memorial services. You can always ask your funeral director for assistance in picking out the funeral prayers. 

2. The Mourner’s Kaddish

"May His great Name be exalted and sanctified in the world that He created as He willed. May He establish His kingdom and bring redemption to His people. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever. Amen."

The Kaddish is recited in honour of the deceased, not as a prayer for them but as an affirmation of faith in God’s greatness, even in times of sorrow.

3. A Prayer for Comfort

"Compassionate God, comfort all who mourn the loss of [Name]. Grant them strength, healing, and peace. May their hearts be lifted by the love of family and friends, and may their memories bring them solace. Amen."

This prayer asks for divine comfort for mourners, reinforcing the importance of support from both faith and loved ones.

4. Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul... Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..."

A well-known passage from the Book of Psalms, this prayer reassures mourners that God’s guidance and protection remain even in moments of grief.

5. A Prayer of Gratitude for a Loved One’s Life

"Eternal One, we thank You for the life of [Name], whose love and kindness enriched our lives. May their memory be a blessing, and may their good deeds inspire us to walk in righteousness. Amen."

This prayer expresses gratitude for the impact of the deceased and encourages mourners to honour their memory through righteous living.

6. A Prayer for Strength in Mourning

"O God, give us strength as we mourn the loss of [Name]. Help us to find solace in our faith and in the love that surrounds us. May we be reminded that love endures beyond death, and that the soul is eternal. Amen."

A deeply personal prayer, this request for strength acknowledges the pain of loss while reaffirming faith in the soul’s immortality. When someone dies, prayers can help you come to terms with what has happened. 

7. The Priestly Blessing

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and grant you peace. Amen."

Traditionally spoken by priests, this prayer is a request for God’s protection and peace, offering reassurance to mourners.

8. A Prayer for the Soul’s Peace

"Merciful One, we pray that [Name] finds peace in Your divine embrace. May their spirit be free, and may they rest in Your eternal presence. Amen."

This prayer asks for the peaceful transition of the deceased into the afterlife, reinforcing faith in God’s care.

9. A Prayer for Those Left Behind

"God of our ancestors, be with us in our grief. Grant us the strength to bear our loss, and the wisdom to honour [Name] through acts of kindness and love. Let their memory live on in our deeds. Amen."

A reminder that we can honour the deceased through acts of love and kindness, ensuring their legacy continues.

10. A Prayer for the Unbroken Bond of Love

"Though we are separated by death, our love remains unbroken. [Name] lives on in our hearts, and their spirit endures in the world. We find peace in knowing that love is never lost. Amen."

This final prayer provides comfort by affirming that love transcends death and remains alive in the hearts of those left behind.