Funeral Service Practice Exam

What practice involves preparing the body for burial in Jewish tradition?

1. Shiva

2. Kaddish

3. Tahara

4. Shomer

The correct answer is: Tahara

The practice that involves preparing the body for burial in Jewish tradition is Tahara. This process is a ceremonial washing and purification of the deceased, performed by a group of individuals known as the Chevra Kaddisha, or "holy society." The goal of Tahara is to honor the deceased by treating the body with respect and dignity, adhering to the belief that the body is a vessel for the soul that has been separated through death. During this ritual, the body is cleansed, and special prayers are recited to elevate the soul's journey in the afterlife. Tahara is an important part of the Jewish mourning customs, as it prepares the deceased for burial in a way that aligns with Jewish law and tradition. The emphasis on treating the body with care reflects deep respect for human life and the sanctity of the body even after death. While the other choices relate to aspects of Jewish mourning and remembrance, they do not focus specifically on the preparation of the body for burial. Shiva pertains to the mourning period after the burial, Kaddish is a prayer recited in memory of the deceased, and Shomer refers to the individual who watches over the body before burial, but none of these involve the direct preparation of the body itself.