This is the first in a series of columns to teach about Chevrah Kadisha and Jewish funeral practices.

Traditionally, the preparation of the deceased for burial has been taken care of by members of our Jewish community, called a חֶבְרָה קַדִּישָׁא Chevrah Kadisha, which means "Holy Society." In Yiddish they are called Landsmanshaftn.

Why do we do this? It is because we desire to honor the deceased — meit (man) or meitah (woman) — with respect and dignity, and to ease the grief of the bereaved family and friends.

Jewish custom includes a specific traditional ritual to prepare a body for burial. This ritual is called Taharah and is performed by members of the Chevrah Kadisha. Volunteering to do Taharah is a very special mitzvah, and the ritual is performed for all Jews — observant or not, affiliated or not.

When there is a death, the Chevrah Kadisha is notified, and we quickly assemble a team. This is all done anonymously and with respect. We are midwifing the deceased as the soul moves from this world to the next.

Next: The Taharah Ritual.

Cary Mannaberg