Chevra Kadisha at Mount Sinai
Chevra Kadisha Mortuary at Mount Sinai®
At Mount Sinai, we are committed to assisting families who wish to plan a traditional Jewish funeral, with all the rituals that have provided comfort over the generations.
The Chevra Kadisha (חברה קדישא), also known as the Sacred Burial Society, is one of Judaism’s most revered and ancient institutions. This organization of dedicated volunteers performs the holy task of preparing the deceased for burial according to halacha (Jewish law). The term “Chevra Kadisha” literally translates to “Holy Society,” reflecting the profound sanctity of their work.
Today, Mount Sinai functions as a Chevra Kadisha for the entire Los Angeles Jewish community, offering Orthodox burial preparation. The sacred duties of the Chevra Kadisha are rooted in the fundamental Jewish principle of kavod hamet (honoring the deceased), ensuring that every person receives the same dignified care regardless of their status in life.
The preparation process involves several carefully prescribed steps:
Shmirah (Watching): From the moment of death until burial, the deceased is never left alone. A shomer (guard) stays alongside, reading psalms or poems, providing a comforting presence and ensuring the deceased is surrounded with peace and dignity. This ancient practice stems from the belief that the soul remains near the body until burial.
Tahara (Purification): This sacred ritual purification process is performed with the utmost respect and care. Male Chevra Kadisha members perform tahara for deceased men, while women do so for women. During this process, prayers are recited, and the body is ritually cleansed with warm water while being treated with exceptional dignity.
Tachrichim (Burial Garments): Following the tahara, the deceased is clothed in traditional white linen burial shrouds called tachrichim. These simple garments symbolize the equality of all people in death and reflect the Jewish belief that we enter and leave this world with simplicity and humility. The tachrichim are sewn without knots or pockets, representing the spiritual nature of the soul’s journey.
The members of the Chevra Kadisha view their work as a chesed shel emet (true kindness), as it is a favor that can never be repaid. This selfless dedication to performing these rituals has sustained Jewish communities throughout history, preserving dignity and sanctity in death as in life.
At Mount Sinai, our Chevra Kadisha members undergo extensive training and maintain the highest standards of traditional Jewish practice. We understand the profound importance of these customs and their role in providing comfort and closure to grieving families while honoring the deceased according to our ancient traditions.
To learn more about traditional Jewish funeral practices, click here.
Our Traditions Program
Our Chevra Kadisha Mortuary at Mount Sinai® Traditions Program makes a traditional orthodox Jewish burial accessible for everyone. This program of mortuary services is available whether you choose Mount Sinai’s Memorial Parks or any other cemetery.
Traditional Jewish burial focuses on simplicity and a deep respect for the deceased. The Traditions Program fulfills these requirements including tahara (ritual purification), shmira (guarding the deceased), tachrichim (traditional Jewish burial shrouds) and a simple pine casket.
The total mortuary cost for our Traditions Program is $4,300 plus applicable taxes. This includes basic services of the mortuary, transfer of your loved one into our care (LA/Orange & Ventura Counties), tahara, shmira, cotton tachrichim, obtaining required documentation and permits, and funeral coach. This compares favorably with other Jewish mortuaries in Southern California.
When making arrangements, please be sure to consider the additional costs of burial related to the cemetery. These may include an outer burial vault, cemetery fees to open and close the burial site, fees for cemetery staff and facilities, and copies of a death certificate.
Questions about our Chevra Kadisha Mortuary at Mount Sinai?
Additional Resources for Jewish Funeral Traditions
To learn more about Jewish funeral customs and the sacred work of the Chevra Kadisha, we recommend these trusted resources:
- The Jewish Federation’s Guide to Death and Mourning Comprehensive information about Jewish burial customs and traditions.
- My Jewish Learning: Understanding the Chevra Kadisha Detailed explanation of the Chevra Kadisha’s role and practices.
- Jewish Virtual Library: History of the Chevra Kadisha Academic resource exploring the historical development of Jewish burial societies.