Jewish tradition calls us to care for the dead with dignity, tenderness, and deep respect. In many communities today, we are increasingly asked to extend that care to those who were not Jewish according to halacha, law, but who lived fully within Jewish life as partners, parents, and beloved members of our communities. Sometimes, these individuals are referred to as “k’rovei Yisrael“, those close to the people of Israel. These moments can raise important questions about ritual, language, and boundaries, while also calling us back to our core values of kavod, honor, and chesed, lovingkindness.
This resource brings together approaches, language, and materials to help Chevra Kadisha navigate these situations with thoughtfulness and care. Whether you are exploring this for the first time or refining an existing practice, we invite you to engage with these offerings and consider what feels most aligned for your community.