From Rabbi's Shtender: Chevra Kadisha - The Holy Burial Society

Chevra Kadisha, the Jewish Burial Society – Did you know MKT and TBS have a joint one?

The Jewish Burial Society, also known as the Chevra Kadisha, is a group of dedicated volunteers who are responsible for the traditional Jewish preparation and burial of the deceased. This includes performing the sacred ritual of Tahara, which is the purification and preparation of the body for burial, as well as providing shrouds for the deceased.

Tahara is a multi-step process that involves washing, purifying, and dressing the body in accordance with traditional Jewish customs. This process is performed by a team of men or women who have been trained and certified in the traditional Tahara practices. The body is washed with water. The body is then dressed in a simple white shroud, known as a tachrichim, and sometimes wrapped in a tallit (prayer shawl).

The use of shrouds in Jewish burials is rooted in the belief that the body should be buried in a simple and modest manner, without any adornments or decorations. The shrouds are made of natural materials, such as linen or cotton, and are designed to be biodegradable so that they will decompose along with the body.

Overall, the Jewish Burial Society plays a vital role in the Jewish community, ensuring that the deceased are treated with dignity and respect, and that traditional customs and beliefs are upheld in the funeral and burial process. The Tahara and shrouds are an important part of this process, and the Jewish Burial Society is dedicated to preserving these traditions for future generations.

We are looking to grow the pool of volunteers who participate in this sacred mitzvah. We recognize that it is not an easy task to perform, but we have caring and warm volunteers to help guide you through the process. We will be holding a seminar and training on Sunday March 12 beginning at 1 PM. We will have lunch followed by classes and on-hands training. Whether you are interested in becoming a volunteer or just want to learn more about Jewish burial practices we would love to have you join us.

Contact Danielle at Danielle@midbarkodesh.org to rsvp

Contact Rabbi Tecktiel at btecktiel@midbarkodesh.org if you have any questions.