Resource Library
Welcome to the Kavod v’Nichum Resource Library. Here you will find a variety of content including resources for Chevra Kadisha, information about Jewish end-of-life rituals and practices, helpful and interesting resources from our partner organizations, and more.
Check back often as we regularly add new content.
Health and Safety in the Taharah Room
Taharah is sacred work. Although the performance of this mitzvah is generally safe, it does come with real health and safety considerations. This resource offers core safety practices for Chevra Kadisha members. It is meant to be read, shared, and adapted for your community, and used alongside guidance from your local funeral home or health professionals when questions arise.
Building Meaningful Relationships Between Chevra Kadisha and Funeral Homes
Chevra Kadisha groups and funeral homes each bring essential expertise, compassion, and commitment to honoring the deceased and supporting grieving families. Strong partnerships between these groups aren’t just “nice to have”—they are vital for upholding Jewish burial...
Orot HaChevra: A Collective Reflection for Zayin Adar
Each year on Zayin Adar, we pause to honor the sacred work of the Chevra Kadisha. This work is often unseen, yet it shines with deep meaning. This year, members of Chevra Kadisha from around the world have shared their stories, illuminating our shared path. "Orot...
Building Confidence and Leading With Care
Leading taharah, the Jewish ritual of preparing the deceased for burial, is an act of deep care, compassion, and presence. Yet, stepping into this role—guiding a team through ritual, honoring the deceased, and navigating varying customs—can feel daunting. Confidence...
Gamliel Institute Student Projects
The Gamliel Institute was Kavod v’Nichum’s original and much-respected Chevra Kadisha leadership training program. Gamliel first accepted students in 2010, educated hundreds, and graduated 52 students over the years. Its final ten graduates were honored at the Kavod...
Collaborative Care: Bridging Chevrei Kadisha and End-of-Life Doulas
By: Heidi Katz While just a decade ago, only a smattering of end-of-life doulas were practicing throughout the United States, by 2024, thousands of trained end-of-life doulas were working nationwide. Awareness of end-of-life doulas is increasing, as evidenced by...
Immersion Ceremony for the New Year
From our partners at Mayyim Hayyim: The tahara and immersion in a mikveh are water rituals that mark important transitions for Jews. Water is the conduit for such transitions to happen with care, security, and safety. We at Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh...
The Prague Paintings
While Jewish tradition has offered much guidance around burial, respecting the deceased, and caring for those in mourning, Chevra Kadisha, as we know it, is relatively modern. Step back in time with us to experience 19 incredible paintings created in Prague in the...
Kavanah: A Shmira-Inspired Resource
Inspired by the intention and ritual of Shmira, guarding over the soul of the deceased and offering prayers of comfort, we welcome the community to take time to remember and honor the lives taken during the recent events in Israel by engaging with ritual and liturgy....
Taharah Manuals
A Taharah Manual is a guidebook filled with steps and prayers for those providing taharah, the ritual washing and dressing of the deceased. Manuals are also extensions of the Chevra Kadisha, the Sacred Community of those who provide care and comfort during end-of-life...