Additional Resources

Tahara

(Ritual Washing of the Body)

One of the oldest and most respected aspects of a Jewish funeral is the ritual washing of the body, known as Tahara. Some area synagogues have established a chevra kadisha (Jewish burial society) to perform Tahara typically for families who are affiliated with the synagogue. In addition, the greater Washington Jewish community is privileged to be the home of the Chevra Kadisha of Greater Washington, a non-profit organization, which will provide Tahara upon request for any member of the community. For more information, see chevrakadishagw.org.

Shmira

(Guarding the Body)

The Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington can provide shomrim for families that want a community member to recite or chant psalms to spiritually guard their deceased family member between death and burial. We ask families that want shmira to provide the Hebrew name of the deceased. Families may also provide us with additional information such as biographies, life stories, pictures or other material that will give the shomrim insight into your loved one.  

We regularly provide shomrim at Hines-Rinaldi and Cunningham Turch, and in some situations, may be able to provide shmira at other local funeral homes. We also work closely with congregations to help volunteer teams cover shmira. This service is arranged through the funeral home who will contact our shmira coordinator with the hours of shmira requested. The charge for shmira is $18/hour and will be reflected on the family's funeral home bill.

If your funeral home is uncertain how to reach us, refer them to this website and our contact information. Any congregation who needs to coordinate shmira with us should also contact us directly.

Kavod V’Nichum & Gamliel Institute, Chevra Kadisha

Kavod v'Nichum (Honor and Comfort) is a 20 year-old not for profit corporation whose mission is to provide the Jewish community resources, education and training about the end of life, from serious illness through dying, death, bereavement and mourning. Its resources are available to the entire world-wide Jewish community. David Zinner, vice president of the JFPCGW, is the founder of Kavod v'Nichum. 

The Gamliel Institute, a part of Kavod v'Nichum, is a center for study, training and advocacy concerning Jewish end-of-life practices. Information about the Institute and its courses can be found here.