Taharah, the ritual purification of the dead, is a beautiful and powerful, centuries-old Jewish burial tradition. Death is a part of the cycle of life. Just as a newborn is washed and dressed so, too, the deceased is respectfully washed and dressed in preparation for leaving the physical world. The taharah includes washing, purifying, and dressing the meit / meitah / meiteh in shrouds.

The ritual purification involves a gentle pouring of water over the body and the recitation of a traditional chant. The deceased is dressed in tachrichim (simple white burial garments), wrapped in a cloth, and placed in the aron (casket). Throughout the taharah process the chevra kadisha recites special blessings, prayers, and readings selected from Torah, Prophets, and the Song of Songs.

The liturgy is very simple, and combines English and Hebrew. The chevra kadisha performs the taharah ritual with k’vod hameiteh (respect for the dead), ensuring that the traditions of preparing the body for Jewish burial are carried out. A chevra kadisha’s greatest concern is the sensitive care and dignity of the deceased.

One of the beauties of this mitzvah is that the mourners know their community is taking care of their loved one—it could be anyone they pass on the street who helped prepare their loved one for burial. For that reason, the members of a particular taharah team are not identified to the mourners.