📘 Jewish Funeral Knowledge Center Glossary

1. Tahara (טָהֳרָה)

Definition: Ritual washing and purification of the body before burial.
Significance: Performed by the Chevra Kadisha to honor the deceased and prepare the Neshama for its journey.
Link To: Tahara: Ritual Washing Before Burial

2. Chevra Kadisha (חֶבְרָה קַדִּישָׁא)

Definition: A sacred burial society responsible for preparing the body according to Jewish law.
Significance: Performs Tahara, Shmira, and ensures kavod ha-met.
Link To: Chevra Kadisha: Role and Process

3. Shmira (שְׁמִירָה)

Definition: The practice of guarding the body from the time of death until burial.
Significance: Offers comfort to the Neshama and honors the deceased.
Link To: Shmira: Guarding the Body Before Burial

4. Tachrichim (תַּכְרִיכִים)

Definition: Traditional white burial garments made of simple cotton or linen.
Significance: Symbolize purity, equality, and humility before God.
Link To: Tachrichim: Traditional Burial Garments

5. Neshama (נְשָׁמָה)

Definition: The divine soul breathed into every person.
Significance: Remains near the body until burial; honored through rituals like Tahara and Shmira.
Link To: Why Jews Bury Quickly, The Neshama’s Journey

6. Kavod Ha-Met (כָּבוֹד הַמֵּת)

Definition: Honor and dignity owed to the deceased.
Significance: Central principle guiding all Jewish burial practices.
Link To: Why Jews Bury Quickly, Tahara

7. Shiva (שִׁבְעָה)

Definition: A seven-day mourning period observed by the close family after burial.
Significance: Begins only after burial; includes prayer, reflection, and communal support.
Link To: Jewish Mourning Practices

8. Halachah (הֲלָכָה)

Definition: Jewish law derived from Torah, Talmud, and rabbinic sources.
Significance: Governs burial timing, Tahara, mourning, and cemetery conduct.
Link To: Halachic Foundations of Burial

9. B’tzelem Elohim (בְּצֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים)

Definition: “In the image of God” — the belief that every human has divine worth.
Significance: Justifies the care and dignity shown in Jewish burial rituals.
Link To: Tahara, Tachrichim

10. Kevarim (קְבָרִים)

Definition: Graves or burial plots.
Significance: Must be treated with reverence; Jewish law prohibits disturbing them.
Link To: Jewish Cemetery Standards

11. Matzevah (מַצֵּבָה)

Definition: Headstone or grave marker placed after burial.
Significance: Serves as a memorial and fulfills the mitzvah of honoring the deceased.
Link To: Unveiling and Matzevah Customs

12. Nichum Aveilim (נִחוּם אֲבֵלִים)

Definition: Comforting mourners during Shiva and beyond.
Significance: A core Jewish value and communal responsibility.
Link To: Jewish Mourning Practices