Chevra Kadisha – חברה קדישא

Chevra Kadisha חברה קדישא – The Jewish Sacred Society – is an organization of men and women who volunteer their time and skills to ritually cleanse and prepare the bodies of our fellow Jews for burial.  This holy task is performed with reverence and dignity in an effort to honor the memory of the dead and to maintain the highest standards of Jewish customs and laws.

Chevra Kadisha of Beth Israel is composed of men and women from our own congregation.  As soon as we are notified, shmira (“watchers”) take turns peacefully sitting with the body to help comfort the transitioning soul of the dead. At the funeral home, we provide the ritual of Tahara where we lovingly clean and bath the body, shroud the body in linen, and place the body into the casket the family has selected. We will also prepare a body for transfer to another state or country if called upon to do so.

Chevra Kadisha services are a benefit of membership to Beth Israel members and are provided free of charge. The service is also available to non-members for a fee which is donated to the Cemetery Fund. We are proud to be members of The National Association of Chevra Kadisha and we are always here to help you in your time of need.

If you have any questions about our services or wish to learn more about becoming a volunteer Chevra Kadisha member, please call:  Steven F. Riley at 540-904-7123 or 540-597-9292