Jewish Mourning Rituals: Caring for the Body

In Judaism, traditions around death have two purposes - to comfort the living, and to show respect for the dead. Understanding some of the more nuanced Jewish traditions and rituals for caring for a body before the funeral may help provide some support in a grieving process.
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Written by Sarah Lefton, Matthue Roth and Jeremy Shuback
Storyboards and Character Illustrations by Jeanne Stern
Animation by Rick Acosta
Background Illustrations by Tammy Chang
Music by Ben Bromfield
Narrated by John Cavanagh
Produced, Directed, and Sound Edited by Jeremy Shuback
Audience Development and Partnership Coordination by Lisa Finkelstein
Operations and Development by Barbara Barza and Oren Stevens
Executive Producer was Sarah Lefton
Key Script Advisor was David Zinner

This video was made possible with generous support from the Koret Foundation, as part of their Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood.
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[SephardicHawaiian]

I have been a member of my local Chevra Kadisha for 5 yrs now. It has been one of the most profoundly moving spiritual experiences of my life. It has also made the sense of community so much more meaningful to me as our Chevra consists of Jews from all the Movements; I am one of 2 male Reform members, and I have gotten to know and become close to men from the local Conservative and Orthodox congregations that never would have happened on this level had I not been a member of the Chevra. Thank you for posting this video!

[michellemarie]

The narrator's voice is soothing this is beautiful

[SpiritualBabies]

this brought me to tears. great series. thank you.

[TheMagicToyChest]

I'm not Jewish, but this video got me crying over some cartoon Jews dying. And this coming from a usually non-emotional stone-face.

[kylpyvene]

This was interesting, I stumbled upon your channel while looking for a video on jewish death rituals to use in a presentation, but I might watch more of your videos now

[moniquemayer]

Great series. And nice little touch, having Debbie Friedman's yahrzeit plaque in the first few seconds. :-)

[michellemarie]

this has got to be one of the most beautiful religions I've ever heard of

[Kumutuna]

I like that never leaving the body alone. Thats true

[nuhdels]

!y best friends dad passed away yesterday. The service is on Sunday. I just realized that his dad is gone. I'm thirteen and he's fourteen. It's just sunk in to me and I don't know what to do at the funeral. I'm scared I'll hurt my best friend by saying or doing the wrong thing. He's going through so much right now. I just... don't know what to do. I was going to text or call him but I was too scared to hurt him, even though looking back, it probably would make him feel better. I hope they ended on good terms. I hope my friend isn't regretful, and I hope I can comfort him. If anyone can give advice before Sunday on what to do, I'd love it. This is the first funeral I've ever been to, and I just want my best friend to be okay.

[loveisthekeythatwillsetyou]

I feel the music is too loud and competes with your narration that I struggle and feel inclined to seek information of this subject elsewhere ... my feedback is only intending to help.

[MostPowerfulPMofIndia]

Beautiful rituals. I am a Hindu brahmin from India but I love Israel and Judaism.

[lindachurchman]

What a very informative series thank you

[loveisthekeythatwillsetyou]

I have re listened and it's towards the end I felt the music got too loud ... who knows maybe it's just me lol

[Sonneteer]

I wonder if you could assist me please?
I have studied the Jewish law of Tahara and also, of how, those with "mingled blood" remain unwashed.
When performing the Tahara, is every part of the body washed? How do you lay your dead? For example, "are the arms crossed upon the chest or left to rest at the side of the body".
I would be most grateful for any comments please.

[onlyperlas]

Thank you. This really help for my report😊

[Yael-hxys]

Im jewish by birth. Not practicing. Im wondering what if i do not want a traditional jewish funeral. What if i dont want my body washes or an autopsy or to wear the shroud?

[BlackDeath]

Do they ever come back to the body after burying them?

[josephprieto]

Im not trying to bash this practice. But why would you need to hide your naked body before god?

[darlamakiyrwright]

I wish to know more. Are the bodies embalmed or if not how is the body prepared? If the bodies are prepared otherwise, do the states, then, allow this type of burial, without embalming?

[paulustarsus]

Who was it that performed shmira on the body of Jesus Christ? Genuine question.