Tahara (Jewish ritual washing of the dead)

Tahara is the ritual washing and preparation of the body before a Jewish funeral. It is performed by members of the chevra kadisha — a community burial society of trained volunteers, of the same gender as the person who has died — accompanied by prayers and psalms. After washing, the body is dressed in plain white linen or cotton shrouds (tachrichim); men are sometimes also wrapped in their tallit, with one of its corner fringes cut to indicate the wearer is no longer obligated by mitzvot.

Tahara is standard practice in Orthodox, Sephardi, and Masorti communities. Reform congregations often offer it; Liberal Judaism leaves it as a family choice. In all cases, the work is done quietly and unpaid — the chevra kadisha treat it as the highest form of chesed shel emet (true loving-kindness) because the person being cared for cannot thank them.

In the UK, tahara takes place at the funeral director's premises, at a synagogue's preparation room, or at a dedicated burial-society facility. Embalming is not used.

→ Jewish funeral customs in the UK · Chevra kadisha · Faith-specific funerals

Last verified: 2 May 2026 against the United Synagogue Burial Society and Jewish Joint Burial Society published guidance.