Growing number of Jews using NY’s first Reform chevra kadisha burial society
In the Jewish vernacular, caring for the dead is called chesed shel emet (“true kindness”) because bestowing honor upon the dead is a favor that cannot be returned by the beneficiary.
Sharon Shemesh, a member of New York’s Reform Chevra Kadisha burial society, prepares for a tahara to ritually cleanse the deceased's body at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.(photo credit: Plaza Jewish Community Chapel)ByFRAN KRITZ, JTA