EPISODE 4: Sacred Society

In this episode, host Kate Mishkin explores the role of the chevra kadisha, or Jewish burial society. She talks with volunteers who ensure that dead bodies are ready for burial according to Jewish tradition. Their work, Kate discovered, is physical, emotional and surprisingly life-affirming.

Further reading and resources:

• Tahara, Preparing the Body for Burial (My Jewish Learning)

• How To Form A Chevra Kadisha (My Jewish Learning)

• Email mini-course: A Jewish Journey Through Grief (My Jewish Learning)

• Kavod v'Nichum

Credits:

• Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin

• Story producer: Gabrielle Birkner

• Fact-checking: Rachel Scheinerman

• Sound design/mixing: Jonathan Shifflett of Studio Phonic

• Interstitial music: Written and performed by Nan Schwartz