Sooner or later each of us will walk through the stages of loss with our loved ones. In our tradition and as a community we accompany our dead with the powerful ritual observance of Shmeira, Tahara, Burial, Shiva, Shloshim, and Shanah. Many of you have participated in rituals of ולוית המת accompanying the dead and their mourners. Of all of the rituals that you are aware of and have participated in, the mitzvah of Tahara is the least spoken of or understood. Tahara (the ritual preparation of the body) is traditionally performed by a dedicated cadre of volunteers who are members of our extended community’s Chevra Kadisha. Do you know how the soul is protected and cared for between death and burial? Do you want to learn more about the amazing and awe-inspiring ritual of Tahara and the possibility of volunteering in the future? Meet some of your fellow congregants and other members of the Chevra Kadisha of Greater Kingston; those who have been performing the sacred ritual of assisting the soul on the final journey. Please join Rabbi Romer and Maryalice Schleuderer and members of our local Chevra on March 4th at 7 PM for a virtual zoom dialogue on Tahara; sharing experiences preparing, bathing, and dressing the body, while chanting the ancient prayers, as is our tradition. Click here to enter the Zoom on Thursday, March 4th at 7pm.