Chevra Kadisha

Members of the Chevra Kadisha, the burial society, wash and prepare it, traditionally dressing it in plain white clothing. A simple coffin expresses equality: wealth should not determine a person’s dignity in death.

The chevra kadisha, or sacred society, washes the body and dresses it in simple white shrouds. The shrouds express purity and equality in death: a wealthy person is not given greater spiritual worth than a poor person. The body is not left alone before the funeral, showing continuing dignity and care.