An Intriguing Article
I recently became intrigued by an article I came across on the “My Jewish Learning” website. The article was entitled: “Chevra Kadisha or Jewish Burial Society.” It was written by a Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.
And yes: I do from time to time visit various Jewish websites such as “Chabad” and “My Jewish Learning.” I generally consult such sites when conducting research for content of a Hebraic and Jewish nature. Despite these sites being orthodox and rabbinic in their content’s leaning, these two sites can’t be beat for Jewish and Hebraic historic and tradition information.
Back to the Article
Were you aware that certain orthodox Jewish communities have specialized societies whose purpose it is to properly prepare Jewish remains for burial? Until reading this article, I have to say that I was, but really wasn’t aware of such societies. I was aware from my years as a Coroner Investigator that Orthodox Jewish families would require their loved one’s remains be handled a bit differently from non-Jewish remains.
Specialized Handling
Orthodox Jewish handling of their dead often involve the following:
- “Tahara,” which is ritualistic washing and purification of the remains.
- A Jewish person (a “Shomer”) to stay with the remains till its buried.
- Adorning the remains with a “Tachrichim,” which is a Jewish burial shroud.
- Placing the remains in a kosher casket.
- And burial of the remains as quickly as possible: generally by sunset of day of death.
Chevra Kadisha
Clearly, such requirements for the proper handling of orthodox Jewish remains would present quite a challenge for most non-Jewish morticians. But it turns out that many Jewish communities have a specialized society to handle these unique requirements. This society is “Chevra Kadisha,” pronounced “chev-ru-kah-dee-shah.”
Chevra Kadisha attends to all of the elements of proper Orthodox Jewish disposition of remains, including performing the “Tahara’ (i.e., the purification and ritualistic cleansing of the remains). Men attend to male remains, while women attend to female remains.
Society Membership
In general, the Jewish Community views membership in a local Chevra Kadisha chapter as honorable. Not very many Jews seek membership in this society. Chevra Kadisha’s aren’t generally recognized outside the Orthodox Jewish Community.
It turns out that members of the various Chevra Kadisha chapters conduct a yearly fast on the 7th day of the 12th month. The purpose of the fast is to atone for any disrespect they may have shown the remains they provided care for. As means to honor their membership in the society, the members of Chevra Kadisha chapters hold a joyous banquet. (Can you imagine? That banquet must be quite a hoot. Just saying.)
Traditions Versus Kingdom
Indeed, traditions are fine. And in this case we see that our Jewish cousins care deeply for their deceased loved ones. The great care given to Jewish remains is a reflection of their respect for the life of the deceased. Thus, we live lives worthy to be called disciples of Yeshua Messiah. And we seek to make disciples of Messiah in anticipation of His soon return.
As it relates to death, Father’s set-apart people focus on coming Kingdom of YHVH. Sure we care about how our loved one’s remains are cared for. However, we care more that they are part of the first resurrection.
John wrote in Revelation 20:5-6:
“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yah and of Messiah, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.“
New Bodies When He Returns
Those of us who qualify for the Kingdom and the first resurrection will receive new, glorified bodies upon Master’s return. As mentioned above, we will reign with our Master a thousand years here on earth.
Therefore, we focus and invest fully in our spiritual future in the world to come. For we know this mortal frame will quickly pass away. Thus our focus should not be on this mortal frame, especially at the time of death. For that mortal frame will be replaced with a glorified one.
Halleluyah. Come even now Master Yeshua. Come even now.
Shalom