For centuries, Jews have prepared their dead for burial using a ritual known as taharah, which means purification. Drawn from sacred texts and Jewish theology, this rite is traditionally conducted according to time-tested procedures, by a trained team called a chevrah kadisha.Today, however, families are asking their rabbis and hospice chaplains to improvise new rituals based upon this ancient one. They may want to perform the ritual themselves, for example; to insert original elements; or to confront Jewish law and perform it for a loved one who will be cremated, or who is not Jewish.Discussion of these issues has led to the question: How much modification can be allowed? At what point is the ritual no longer a Jewish purification, and by what standard? What bare-bones elements make taharah unique, and satisfy its requirements? What can be allowed, and what is forbidden?This is the inquiry that the authors, a hospice chaplain and an experienced chevrah kadisha leader, set about to explore.David Zinner, Executive Director, Kavod v'Nichum, writes: "Destined to become a defining work in the chevrah kadisha field, [this book] extends the concepts of hospice into a Jewish context, and has the potential to radically alter and improve the way that contemporary Jews handle traditional death practices. It may facilitate the return to a more authentic form of the chevrah kadisha that is not dependent upon 20th century funeral homes."
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest
everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We
deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15.
ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.