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With each Tahara, a part of me heals and washes the tears and trauma we collectively carry, while at the same time being fully present to the deceased in front of me. Only God knows how it is possible to do both at the same time. 

… but I serve our Chevra today because I know what it feels like when your village tends to you, and the deep heartache we may carry when this tending isn’t done.

Birgitta – Mar Vista

I have a child who is non-binary, and I was moved to know that nobody would ever be denied something so important and holy. This was home. These were my people. 

This past year has been life-changing. There have been many sacrifices and last-minute schedule changes, along with early mornings and late nights. There is no place more important for me to be than to be present in accompanying a Neshama, a soul, in its final moments with its body. In these moments and with these experiences, I feel more complete and whole. I did not know how this would deeply affect MY Neshama. I feel closer to my creator. It is a privilege to be part of this special Chevra of men and women who are aligned with my values.

Leah – Santa Clarita

I joined because I wanted to contribute to my community in a positive way and to relieve suffering.

…I have been rewarded both spiritually and as a Jew. Just a few short weeks ago, I was performing the duties of Shmirah – guardian of the body…my wife and I connected with the person who passed, and our reading of psalms and other materials became more urgent and important. This woman, who lived a life of struggle (she was a holocaust survivor and lost her family), could never repay the other guardians or us, nor could she repay the kindness of the people who prepared her body for the final journey. But we were repaid with the greatest gift – gratitude for being allowed to participate in this life-affirming ritual. Thank you.

Gary – Valley Village

I love that our work is anonymous; I love the spiritual camaraderie among each unique Tahara group; I value what I have and will continue to learn about this Jewish Ritual.

Marcia – Tarzana

My particular goal is to share with people just how dignified and even majestic the niftar appears when dressed in the white tachrichim following the taharah. How the act of gently placing the niftar into the unadorned aron or casket reminds me of tucking a child into bed. And how the recitation of the prayers and readings creates an atmosphere of sanctity that joins the mitaharim to the niftar. I think that if we could share these messages with the community, more would choose to have the Chevra Kadisha perform tahara and shmirah, request tachrichim, and select the most basic plain casket. Regardless, I’m grateful for the opportunity to perform this mitzvah.

Larry – Los Angeles