Dr Joshua Elkin, in an article about educating Jewish children about death and dying, lists eight value concepts that are fundamental to a Jewish understanding of death and bereavement.  They are:

1. the reality of death;
2. respect for the dead;
3. equality;
4. simplicity;
5. the venting of emotions openly and fully;
6. communal responsibility and support;
7. affirmation of life (accompanied by a general trust in the world and in its Creator;
8. remembrance.

Traditional mourning, burial rites focus on dignity by LISA ALCALAY KLUG.  An article from the "J" (the Bay Area's Jewish Weekly Magazine) from Friday, June 5, 1998.