Funeral Service Practice Exam

In Hebrew culture, who was responsible for the preparation of the body after death?

1. The Levitical priests

2. Hevra Kadisha

3. The family members

4. The local rabbi

The correct answer is: Hevra Kadisha

In Hebrew culture, the Hevra Kadisha, or "holy society," is specifically designated for the preparation of the body after death. This group is composed of volunteers from the Jewish community who take on the sacred responsibility of ensuring that the deceased is treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Jewish law. Their tasks commonly include washing the body in a ritualistic manner (known as taharah), dressing it in simple, white shrouds, and preparing it for burial. The Hevra Kadisha plays a crucial role by observing the traditions that govern the treatment of the deceased, emphasizing purity and reverence for the body, which is considered a vessel for the soul. By adhering to these customs, they fulfill a significant religious obligation, reflecting the community's respect for the deceased’s life and the importance of proper burial practices in Judaism. The other roles mentioned, such as those of the Levitical priests, family members, or the local rabbi, might have their own duties in relation to death and mourning, but it is the Hevra Kadisha that is primarily tasked with the actual preparation of the body after death in the context of Hebrew culture.