Chevra Kadisha – Jewish Burial Society
A Chevra Kadisha is a group of Jewish men and women who ensure that the bodies of deceased Jews are properly prepared for burial according to Jewish law.
Throughout the millennia, Jewish communities the world over established “societies”, each known as a Chevra Kadisha (Holy Society), whose sole function was the care of the deceased from the time of death until interment. This was to ensure dignified treatment of the deceased in accordance with Jewish law, custom, and tradition.
The society’s activities relieve the bereaved family of the necessity to personally perform every ritual connected with the burial of the deceased. It has traditionally been particularly active in the performance of Tahara (preparation of the body) and dressing in the Tachrichim (white linen shroud).
