The shomer may be a family member, a friend, or a member of the congregation or chevra kadisha.

As the shomer may be required to stay with the body for an extended period of time ( usually one) recities tehillim

Cremation is unacceptable to Orthodox Jews. Conservative will perform funeral for a cremated person, and a reform rabbis will allow.

There is no generally no viewing, visitation, or wake in Jewish tradition. Before the funeral service, the family will gather and participate in a rite known as keriah, in which a visible part of clothingsuch as a lapel, shirt collar, or pocket, for exampleis torn as a symbol of mourning. In many communities, the practice has shifted from tearing a piece of clothing to tearing a black ribbon attached to a lapel, shirt collar, or pocket. When mourning the death of a parent, clothes should be torn or a torn ribbon should be affixed on the left side of the chest, over the heart; when mourning all other family members, clothes should be torn or a torn ribbon should be affixed on the right side of the chest. This torn item of clothing or the torn ribbon will be worn throughout the week-long mourning period. - See more at: