CHAPTER SEVEN - Death and Mourning: End of Life Questions

THE JEWISH LIFE CYCLE
By Steve Israel

C: Educational Activities

31. Burying Friends and Neighbours [Section 5]
(An hour and a half)

The aim of this activity is to explore the high regard which accompanies the idea of tending to the needs of the dead before burial, and to hear about some of the technicalities involved.

If there is a burial society (a Chevra Kadisha) in the community, it might be possible to invite one or two members of the society to address the group, preferably ordinary members rather than the officials; there are also women members.
Note: It is recommended that a talk or questions work from the general values towards the technical specifics in the questions: this should help to establish a suitable tone.

Essential questions that should be raised include the following:

• Why would you want to be a member of a group such as this?
• Why is it called the Chevra Kadisha?
• Why is it seen as an honour to be part of a Chevra Kadisha?
• What are the values of the society?
• How should a body be treated, according to Judaism?
• How do you feel when you prepare a body for burial?
• Does it happen that the members who officiate at a death know the person in question?

Following the departure of the representatives, there should be a frank discussion within the group about their reactions to the information and ideas they have just heard.