They are also heroes: Chevra Kadisha

coronavirus pandemic has managed to disrupt a multitude of things people cherish and take for granted, including many dimensions of Jewish ritual and worship, but at least one such valued practice has remained unscathed. Tahara — the ancient Jewish ritual of cleaning and preparing a deceased person’s body for burial — is still allowed and available, at least in Denver and at least for women. Although many Jewish communities throughout the world have suspended tahara out of fears that the practice might increase the risk of COVID-19 infection, the women’s chevra kadisha of Denver has performed its mitzvot throughout the pandemic and plans to continue doing so. Joanne O’Connor, who has managed the women’s chevra kadisha for some 25 years, told the Intermountain Jewish News […]