An eulogy, a true evaluation of an individual's life as part of the funeral service?

• A. Yizkor
• B. Kaddish
• C. Yahrzeit
• D. Hesped

Answer: (D)

An eulogy within the funeral service is called a hesped. It’s a spoken tribute that recollects the person’s life, character, and impact, offering memories, qualities, and sometimes challenges they faced, to honor who they were and to comfort the mourners. The hesped is typically delivered by a family member, friend, or rabbi and focuses on the person’s life rather than liturgical content. This sets it apart from Yizkor, which is a separate memorial observance on certain holidays; Kaddish, the mourners’ prayer praising God, which is a liturgical prayer rather than a life tribute; and Yahrzeit, the annual anniversary remembrance of a death. So, the description aligns with the hesped.