Respect for Jewish Deceased and family.
Question
I work as a Mortuary Transport Assistant. We often have Jewish deceased who need to be transported. I would like more information on customs and how to be more respectful while recovering the deceased and transporting them to the funeral home. As well as every step in between.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
It is so nice to meet people like you who care about implementing Jewish traditions out of respect for Jewish deceased.
Judaism teaches that the human body is holy, a gift from God, and as such, it must be treated with reverence even after death.
First of all, Judaism teaches that we should remain with a person who is about to die. In fact, those in the room when someone is about to die should not leave unless one simply cannot emotionally remain composed.
Only twenty minutes after the death, may the eyes and the mouth of the deceased are to be closed. It is commendable for the children of the deceased to do so, but it can be done by anyone.
A sheet is then put over the entire body covering the face.
It is customary to remove a body from a room feet first. Indeed, even before the Chevra Kadisha/Jewish Funeral Services arrive, the body should be positioned with the feet facing the door. The deceased should not touched or moved unless it is needed for the dignity of the body. There exists a custom in some communities to place the body on the floor until it is ready to be taken out of the home/hospital.
A candle should be lit at the head of the deceased. In come communities the body is surrounding by candles.
There should be no eating, drinking or smoking (and the like) in the presence of the deceased. The atmosphere in the room is to be of the highest dignity and reverence. Any conversation in the room should be strictly about the deceased and about tending to him/her.
A Jewish body is never to be left alone. A person, known as a “shomer” is appointed to watch over the body 24hs a day until burial. Of course, there can be numerous "shomrim" as needed. The shomer generally recites Psalms while guarding the body.
There are some variations to much of the above when a death occurs on the Sabbath.
We hope this helps you in your holy work!