One of the main roles of the Chevrah Kadisha is to perform the ancient ritual of Taharah. Taharah means "pure" or "purify."

We have other rituals in our lives to purify ourselves — for example, Netilat Yadayim, the ritual washing of hands before meals, and immersing in a mikvah. The Taharah ritual is a spiritual washing — the final mikvah.

The Chevrah assembles a team of four to five members as quickly as possible after a person dies. This is done anonymously out of respect. A male team is provided for a man, and a female team for a woman. The Chevrah say prayers, then carefully and respectfully cleanse the meit/meitah.

Next, the actual Taharah is performed by slowly pouring waters over the meit/meitah from head to toe. This is Mayim Chaim, the living waters. Then the meit/meitah is dressed in the traditional tachrichim — the burial shrouds — and placed in the casket.

Our Chevrah is a volunteer group, and we will prepare any Jewish person for burial. Please contact us any time as you or a loved one are preparing for your final days, to learn more about this service and to express your wishes.You can find your local burial society through the Rabbi or funeral home.

Next: The Ritual of Shmirah.

Cary Mannaberg