NBE Funeral Directing Practice Exam

In the Jewish faith, what is a hesped?

1. A type of eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased's life

2. A special prayer for the deceased

3. A traditional form of mourning

4. A ceremonial burial rite

The correct answer is: A type of eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased's life

A hesped is indeed a type of eulogy delivered at a funeral or memorial service in Jewish tradition. It serves to honor the deceased by reflecting on their life, character, and accomplishments. The purpose of a hesped is to provide a heartfelt tribute that showcases the deceased's impact on those around them and to encourage the living to remember and celebrate that life. This practice is deeply rooted in the customs of the Jewish faith and emphasizes the importance of community support during times of mourning. The other options describe related but distinct practices. A special prayer for the deceased is typically referred to as the Kaddish, which is recited by mourners. A traditional form of mourning would be practices such as sitting shiva, which involves a period of mourning after the death. A ceremonial burial rite encompasses the various rituals performed during the actual burial process, including the washing of the body and placing it in the ground, but does not specifically refer to the eulogy.