The funeral of Amy Winehouse is likely to be held at a synagogue in North London within the next 24 hours.
A post mortem is expected to be carried out on Winehouse today which will mean that, although the results may not be available for several weeks, her family will be allowed to bury her.
Amy Winehouse was found dead at her home in Camden, north London on Saturday.
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If she is buried according to Jewish law, Winehouse’s funeral must take place as soon as possible, possibly in the next 24 hours.
Winehouse was born to Jewish parents Mitch, a cab driver who inspired her love of jazz music, and Janis, a pharmacist. The singer often mentioned her religion and sometimes wore a Star of David necklace.
"This isn't real. I'm completely devastated," Mitch Winehouse told the Sunday Mirror as he rushed home from New York on hearing the news of his daughter’s death.
In a statement issued later, the family asked for privacy while paying tribute to "Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece".
The statement added: "Our family has been left bereft by the loss… She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time."
A spokesman for the Winehouse family said a funeral would not be arranged until a post-mortem had been carried out.
Both open caskets and cremation are forbidden by Jewish law. Tradition calls for a handful of dirt to be thrown into the casket by a family member as a eulogy is recited graveside.
After the funeral, relatives spend seven days mourning in the home and receiving visitors, focusing on the life of the person who has died.
