Chapter Six Review - The Jewish Funeral Rite

Describe the Hashkava

It is a prayer for the "laying down" of deceased relatives.

Describe the burial garments for males and females.

Males - Consists of seven garments Mitznefes (headdress) Michnasayim (trousers with closed feet) K'sones (a shirt with sleeves) Kittel (a robe with a collar and sleeves) Avnet, Gartel (a sash) Tallis (a prayer shawl) Sovev (a small linen bag used as a headrest) Females - Consists of eight garments Bonnet (covering for the head) Michnasayim (trousers with closed feet) K'sones (a shirt with sleeves/blouse) Kittel (a robe with a collar and sleeves) Avnet, Gartel (a sash) Apron Face Cover Soven (a small linen bag used as a headrest)

Define the following terms

A. Taharah - In the Jewish faith, the ceremony of washing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body and should be performed by the Chevra Kaddisha. B. Aron - Hebrew word meaning container; a casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal parts. C. Shomer - In the Jewish faith, a watcher; one who sits with the body until burial. D. Levaya - In the Jewish faith, the funeral procession E. Shivah - In the Jewish faith, a seven-day mourning period. F. Sholoshim - Meaning 30 in the Jewish faith; 30-day mourning period. G. Yahrzeit - In the Jewish faith, anniversary of a death.

What is the role of the Chevrah Kadisha?

Hebrew phrase meaning "Holy Society," a group of men or women from the synagogue who care for the dead; they may be referred to by laymen as the "washers;" in the past, took care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals.

Review special requirements for notification of clergy, removal of remains, preparation of remains, and dressing and casketing for each group included in this chapter.

Notification of Death - All services and arrangements are under direct supervision of the local rabbi and the funeral professional. The rabbi should be immediately unless the death occurs on the Sabbath. The group leader of the Chevra Kadisha should also be notified. Removal of Remains - No removals are to be made on the Sabbath, unless the death occurred in a public place and/or if the remains interfere with public health. All blood covered clothing will be placed within the casket. Preparation of Remains - There is no embalming. If they are embalmed, the blood is placed in containers and placed in the casket along with the body. Anything used to clean the body will also be placed in the casket. Preparation begins with the body being washed (chaevra kadisha) this is done with respects to the sex of the decedent. The Tahara Room should be supplied with: tachrichim, broken pottery, soil from Israel, wooden instruments, pails and pitchers, new cloth strips for washing, and tallit. Dressing and Casketing the Remains - The Chevra Kadisha shrouds the body. The tachrichim should be made or white line without binding, hems, knots, or pockets.