7. The Taharah board and position of the deceased:

On a designated board:[1] The body of the deceased is to rest flat on a board that has been designated for Taharah by the Chevra Kadisha. [If a board is not available, the body is to rest on a table.[2]] This board is to have water poured over it before purifying the body. Some are accustomed to immersing the board in a Mikveh.[3] One must be very careful not to turn over the Taharah board from the side that the body rested during the Taharah, as there is a danger in this matter.[4] After the burial, the board may be overturned.[5]

Resting on back:[6] The body is to rest on its back, facing up towards the ceiling, [with his feet towards the door of the room[7]]. The body is not to rest on its stomach, face down, anytime during the Taharah process [unless absolutely necessary[8]]. [The body is to be covered by a white sheet until the start of the Taharah.[9]]

No part of body sticking out of board:[10] Throughout the Taharah process, one is to be very careful that no part of the body sticks out of the Taharah board.

Elevated head:[11] Throughout the Taharah, the head of the deceased is to be slightly elevated. This is accomplished through placing a stone and the like under his head. 

Moving the deceased:[12] Whenever one moves the body, it is to be done with 2-3 people as opposed to being dragged on the ground.

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[1] Nitei Gavriel 43:6; See Rama 349:3 “The board on which the Taharah took place”

[2] Gesher Hachaim 9:1

[3] Nitei Gavriel 45:3

[4] Tzavas Rav Yehuda Hachassid 18 [that one may die within 9 days]; Beis Lechem Yehuda 362; Chochmas Adam 157:8; Kitzur SHU”A 197:6; Aruch Hashulchan 362:8; Darkei Chesed 11:13; Nitei Gavriel 45:11

[5] Shivim Temarim on Tzavah ibid; Beir Moshe 8:111; Nitei Gavriel 45:11

[6] Chochmas Adam Hanhagos Chevra Kadisha 6; Kitzur Shu”a 197:2; Gesher Hachaim 9:1; Darkei Chesed 11:3 and 5; Nitei Gavriel 43:8; 44:2

[7] Gesher Hachaim ibid

[8] See Nitei Gavriel 44:11 footnote 23

[9] Darkei Chesed 11:3

[10] Nitei Gavriel 43:9; See Admur 311:13; See Darkei Chesed p. 32; Nitei Gavriel 6:3-4

[11] Nitei Gavriel 43:5

[12] Nitei Gavriel 43:11