Which Hebrew term refers to a group from the synagogue who care for the dead and may be referred to by laymen as washers?

• A. Beth Din
• B. Chevrah Kadisha
• C. Chevrah Tzedek
• D. Shomrim

Answer: (B)

The group from the synagogue that cares for the dead and is often called washers is the Chevrah Kadisha. This term means “holy society” or “burial society,” and its members handle the body with ritual care, performing the taharah (ritual washing), dressing in plain shrouds, and accompanying the deceased from death to burial to ensure dignity according to Jewish law. The name specifically reflects their role in preparing the dead, which is why laypeople commonly refer to them as washers.

Beth Din is a rabbinical court dealing with Jewish law and religious rulings, not burial preparation. Shomrim refers to guards or protectors, sometimes a neighborhood watch group or volunteers who assist in various duties, but not the specialized task of washing and preparing the dead. Chevrah Tzedek is not the standard term for the burial society.