Volunteering FAQs

A Hevra Kadisha is a “burial society”, the Community Hevra Kadisha of the North Shore Boston is a pluralistic Hevra that was formed when we saw a geographical need in the area. We perform Taharot (the ritual washing & dressing of a deceased before burial), when called upon for the North of Boston community.

Some Hevrai offer more services when a community member passes. Such as Shomerim (guarding the deceased by reciting psalms until the time of a funeral), most perform Taharot and some manage the shiva, as well. We only perform Taharot.

Jewish rituals around death and dying focus on providing dignity and respect to the Met/Metah (deceased) always keeping the person top of mind as they transition. The Tahara is a good example of this as all parts are done for the benefit of the Met/Metah. The clothing that one is dressed in during this process is called Tachrichim, some may refer to it as a shroud, but it’s a white suit of clothing which signifies equality no matter their journey in life. The casket is “all wood constructed” usually made of simple wood often pine. The burial is generally held as quickly as the mourners can assemble. This has been the process for thousands of years and that tradition lives on today.

In Judaism, the responsibility of burial is known as Chesed Shel Emet. This may be translated as “the truest act of kindness” or “deeds of loving kindness.” This is so because there can be no expectation of repayment. In other words, when we prepare a deceased for burial, we do so purely out of love and respect, with no motive of expecting reward or compensation.

Death is part of life. In times of illness and loss, we show up and care for each other, regardless of our social connections or professional credentials. Everyone is equal and they leave the earth as they entered, being washed and cleansed. For those who decide to have Tahara, the Hevra Kadisha provides comfort in knowing this Jewish ritual is available and done locally by their community.

The dignity of the Met/Metah (deceased) is most important. Men care for men, and women care for women. Our Hevra Kadisha welcomes all people regardless of gender identity. We offer altered liturgy for those who identify as non-Binary, trans or other.

The services of the Hevra Kadisha are considered optional at most Jewish funeral homes.  The Hevra Kadisha is invited by the Funeral Home to perform Tahara for those deceased requesting it. We believe that those who die in our community should be cared for by members of our community, not by strangers, at the sacred and vulnerable time of death. 

Our Hevra Kadisha volunteers are on call to fulfill the imperatives of chesed shel emet (true kindness, or kindness at the moment of truth). Tahara (cleansing and dressing) is performed by a small group of volunteers (4-5) —women for women, and men for men—under the guidance of an experienced team leader (Rosh/Rosha). After receiving a text stating the need, you reply simply yes or no. For times you are not available, you are on hold, per your request. We go down our list – not everyone is texted for each Tahara.

Volunteers in our Hevra are required to be COVID-19 vaccinated with at least one booster. We also require you to have a Hepatitis B Vaccine which is a series of 3 shots. After you have your first, you may perform a Tahara. We strongly recommend Hep B vaccinations specifically because it is carried via blood. We use Universal Precautions to ensure safety which includes, wearing proper gloves/gowns, washing hands twice, wearing a face mask, and there are also face shields available for face/eye protection.  

As a new Hevra, we are offering training sessions in person at the Funeral Home. Any Jewish person is welcome to learn and take steps to become a volunteer. You participate at the level you want. 

There are many Hevra Kadisha volunteers with young children at home. We have found that young children are respectfully curious about their parents’ involvement in this kind of effort.  Encouraging their questions as part of a family dialogue helps to ensure that the values of caring for our own at death will be reclaimed and passed on to the next generation.

After we get the call from the funeral director, the Tahara Coordinator texts those volunteers who are cleared to perform Taharot (been trained, had their first Hep B shot). You reply to the text Yes or No. No reasons. If you reply No, you will be texted in the future again. If you reply Yes, you receive more info via email. 

You can only be available when you are available. That’s why we always welcome and train new volunteers, since we never know who will be available when our community’s next time of need will arise. As a volunteer, you may wait months for the next text, or we may find ourselves mobilizing twice in the span of a month. You decide how often you participate. 

We have volunteers who are Tahara Coordinators getting notification from the Funeral Home and volunteers, for administrative help and for training. As we grow and welcome new members into our circle, and we will have more volunteer opportunities with this growth.

We are forming an education committee to build trainings to be shared in the future. Let us know if you are interested.

Annually, there is a tradition of gathering in celebration of our Hevra on Zayin Adar, for a meal and education, coordinated by volunteers. 

Each Rosh;/Rosha (team leader) has their own way of leading the group. Some choose to recite many readings, some don't. So the time varies from 45 minutes to 2 hours. 

Dress comfortably and wear footwear that can get wet. Sometimes the water may splash onto the floor. In the summer, many wear shorts and T-shirts. There is no dress code. Many volunteers keep a "Tahara outfit" ready at all times.