Join the National EMES Card Campaign today!

• Health care in the United States is becoming more complex each day.
• Filling out & signing a Health Care Proxy/Living Will is a serious life & death issue.
• This campaign is supported by: Agudath Israel of America, Rabbinical Council of America, National Council of Young Israel, Orthodox Union.

Click here for information about this program, to download forms and to order cards.

Click here to have your Shul or community join the EMES Card Campaign.

What is a Jewish Funeral?

A General Overview of Traditional Burial Practices

• » Tahara - the traditional preparation
  The traditional washing and dressing of the deceased with dignity. Performed by trained members of the Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society).
  
• » Tachrichim - the burial garments
• A full set of traditional clothing, preferably made of linen. This symbolizes    equality and purity.
• » Aron - the burial casket
• A coffin constructed of wood, in keeping with the Biblical teaching:"For dust art thou and to the dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19).
• » Shmira - the watching of the remains
• As a mark of respect to the departed, the deceased is never left alone until after burial. Psalms are traditionally recited by the Shomer (Watcher).
• » Kvurah B'Karka - the burial in the ground
• Tradition requires that burial must be in the ground, filling the grave completely until a mound is formed. It is a great Mitzvah to attend the funeral, and to participate in the burial of a fellow Jew.