Which term denotes the deceased in Jewish tradition?

• A. Ark
• B. Avelim
• C. Daven
• D. Niftar

Answer: (D)

Niftar denotes the deceased in Jewish usage. It comes from a Hebrew root meaning to pass away or be delivered from this world, and it is the term you’ll often hear in obituaries, eulogies, and funeral context to refer to the person who has died. This distinguishes the deceased from others involved in mourning or ritual actions. For example, you might hear about the niftar in a sentence like, “We extend condolences to the family of the niftar.”

In contrast, Ark refers to the sacred cabinet that houses Torah scrolls; Avelim denotes mourners (the people who are grieving); and Daven means to pray. So the correct term specifically identifies the person who has died, separate from the people who mourn or the acts performed.