Jewish Burial Practices Belief and Practice, Original Broadcast Date :February 6, 2004 (Show #723):

Within the Jewish religion, there is a communal responsibility to bury the dead. Throughout the ages, Jewish communities have established burial societies, called Chevra Kadishas, whose sole function is the care of the deceased from the time of death until interment. The time-honored ritual of preparing the deceased in accordance with Jewish tradition is called the "Tahara," which includes the washing and ritual purification of the dead before burial, and the dressing in traditional shrouds. Rochel Berman from Chevra Kadisha, the Jewish Burial Society of Westchester, New York, explains the process of Tahara and why it is considered one of the greatest deeds to be performed in Judaism. "The purpose of the Tahara is to provide comfort for the soul and care for the body," Berman explains. "It's considered the greatest mitzvah because the person you are serving -- the deceased -- can't say 'Thank you.'"

Featured (in alphabetical order):

Rochel Berman, Chevra Kadisha, Jewish Burial Society of Westchester, New York
Mina Crasson, Chevra Kadisha, Jewish Burial Society of Westchester, New York
Nancy Klein, Chevra Kadisha, Jewish Burial Society of Westchester, New York