We went to a funeral today, a co - worker of Jeff's, who was taken away tragically. It was a lovely and moving service, and even though I only knew of him- his name was Zen (yes, , Zen) through things Jeff would tell me, I learned more about him as people spoke at the service. He seems to have been by all accounts, a lovely person and best friend to many, with an outlook worthy of his unusual name. This was also the first Jewish funeral I have attended. The cemetery provided a small booklet about the customs, along with the special prayers and such. Since funerary customs are a topic that always fascinates me, I found it an interesting read. Men should have their heads covered, so Yamakas were given out by the cemetery for men to wear- wether Jewish or not. The plain pine casket and the plain white shroud- whether you are a king or a pauper- you are the same in the eyes of G-d ( the word G-d isn't written either). The service started in the chapel then m...