Mishkan Miami’s Guide for a Cemetery Visit

How can you make it meanginful for yourself and those around you when you visit a family member or friend's grave? Jewish tradition encourages cemetery visits, because you not only honor those who are no longer with us, but you consider the meaning of your own life.
Here is a small guide with a suggested program, rituals, and readings — both traditional and contemporary. The program can also be used for an unveiling ceremony with family members. Considering how you will use your time there, whether alone or with a group, will make your visit more meaningful.

CLICK HERE to download the guide.

If you have not visited a cemetery in thirty days, here is the traditional blessing.

Prayer upon Entering a Cemetery 

Baruch ata Adonai Elo-henu melech ha-olam asher yatzar etchem badin,
ve-zan ve-chilkel etchem badin, ve-hemit etchem badin,
ve-yode’ah mispar kulchem badin, ve-hu atid lehachayotchem ulekayem
etchem badin. Baruch ata Adonai-mechayeh haemetim.

Blessed are you Adonai, Our G-d, King of the Universe,
Who fashioned you with justice, nourished and sustained you with justice,
took your lives with justice, and knows the sum total of you all with justice,
and He will restore and resuscitate you with justice.
Blessed are you Adonai, Who resuscitates the dead

Playing Basketball in Israel

Playing Basketball in Israel

In a powerful display of resilience and hope, former hostages and survivors of October 7 took to the courts during the 2026 Maccabiah, along with Israeli basketball legends and new olim (immigrants).

Read More

Starting the School Year Ready With JVC

Starting the School Year Ready With JVC

Federation’s JVC visited the Everglades Rec Center with a group of volunteers to spend time with children of migrant workers and help fill their backpacks.

Read More

Take Action on Jewish Communal Security

Take Action on Jewish Communal Security

The bipartisan Jewish American Security Act (S. 4576 & HR 9211) would strengthen protections for Jewish communities through increased security funding, stronger student protections, and new tools to combat antisemitism.

Read More

Interest-Free Loans for Higher Education

Interest-Free Loans for Higher Education

Jewish students can now apply for need-based, interest-free loans covering college, graduate school and vocational programs through JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund), a Federation partner agency.

Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive news about Greater Miami Jewish Federation events and more.