Jewish burial traditions and customs
Chevra Kadisha
A Chevra Kadisha, a Burial Society, is an organization of Jewish men and women who see to it that the bodies of Jews are treated with the utmost dignity and prepared for burial according to Jewish law (Halacha). Three of the main requirements of this group are the showing of proper respect for a corpse, the ritual cleansing of the body, and subsequent delicate preparation for burial.
Services Offered By Chevra Kadisha of Alliance:
- Tahara (Ritual Cleansing)
- Shomrim (Guardians, on a limited basis)
- Oversee Maintenance and Beautification of Cemetery
- Holocaust Memorial Preservation and Support
- Community Holocaust Memorial
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On the grounds of The Alliance Cemetery the community Holocaust Memorial was established in 1994. It stands as a remembrance, honoring all those who perished in the Holocaust. It is looked upon as so spiritual and uplifting, that Jewish and broader community members alike visit to pay their respect.
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Chevra Kadisha
The task of the Chevra Kadisha is considered a laudable one, as tending to the dead is a favor that the recipient cannot return, making it devoid of ulterior motives. Its work is therefore referred to as a Good Deed of Trust, (Chesed Shel Emet), paraphrased from Genesis 47:29, (where Joseph promises his father to bury him in the Land of Israel).
At the heart of the society’s function is the Ritual of Purification, (Tahara). The body is first thoroughly cleansed of body fluids and solids, and anything else that can be on the skin, and then is ritually purified by a continuous flow of water. Once the body is gently and delicately purified, the body is dressed in Shrouds, Tachrichim, white garments, reminiscent of those worn by the High Priest. Once the body is dressed, the casket is sealed.
The society may also provide Guardians, (Shomrim), who will remain with the body until burial. This is the time-honored way of showing respect to a loved one.
A specific task for the burial society is tending to the dead who have no immediate next-of-kin. These are termed a Mitzvah Corpse, (Met Mitzvah), as tending to a Met Mitzvah overrides virtually any other positive Torah law.
Many Burial Societies hold one or two annual fast days and organize regular study sessions to remain up to date with the relevant articles of Jewish law. In addition, most Burial Societies also support families during the shivah (traditional week of mourning) by arranging prayer services, meals, and other facilities.
Burial Societies have become an honored community function, with recognition and as can be well understood, great appreciation.