8. Seder Taharah-The matters performed during Taharah:

A. Washing the body:[1]

The deceased is to be washed well in all areas of the body, in order so it is cleaned of any dirt and impurities. The orifices of the deceased are especially to be washed.[2] [A large quantity of water is to be prepared in the room for the sake of this washing. The deceased is placed on a board throughout the Taharah process, as stated above in Halacha 6.[3]]

Who prepares the water:[4] The water is not to be drawn by a woman, or gentile, or man who did not immerse in a Mikveh.

Hot versus cold:[5] The water used to wash the body is to be hot or warm.

Covering the body:[6] The body is to be covered by a sheet prior to the washing, and is to remain covered throughout the washing process, lifting it only when a specific area needs to be washed. This especially applies to the Erva area, that it should always remain covered. Some[7] communities are accustomed to performing the entire washing through the sheet.

How to wash:[8] One first washes the head, including the right ear and nostril, and then the left ear and nostril. One then washes the rest of the body, first washing the right side and then the left side.[9] One cleans between the fingers of the hands and toes on the right side and then the left side.[10] The entire washing is done twice; the first time with plain water, and the second time with soap and a scrub. The soap is then washed off using clean water.[11] After the front part of the body is washed, the body is turned on its side and the back is washed in the same way stated above.[12] Some communities are accustomed to make sure that water does not enter the mouth throughout the washing process.[13] By a woman, her hair is to remain covered until its turn comes to be washed.[14] Areas of the body that are dirty with blood, are not to be washed.[15]

Prayers:[16] Some are accustomed to reciting verses and prayers during the washing. These verses are found in Gesher Hachaim 9:1-2. A list of prayers is recorded at the end of this chapter.

Smearing the body with oil:[17] In previous times, it was customary to smear oil on the body in order to remove the sweat from his body. [This is no longer practiced today.[18]]

B. Bedika Penimis-Cleaning and stuffing the orifices:[19]

The orifices of the deceased are to be washed and stuffed with good smelling scents.[20] [Some are accustomed to performing a “Bedikas Penim/inner check” to the rectum area to clean it from excrement.[21] This consists of pouring water inside the rectum and cleaning out the large intestine with one’s hand and a bag of soap, and repeating the process until the water comes out clean.[22] Others[23], however, oppose doing an inner check in the rectum and suffice with a mere external cleaning, and so is the Chabad custom.[24] If any blood is seen during the Bedika Penim, it is to immediately be ceased.[25] After the washing, the rectum is stuffed with unwoven flax.[26]]

C. Cutting/cleaning the hair and nails:

Cutting the hair:[27] One cuts the hair of the deceased. [However, the widespread custom today is to no longer cut the hair but to simply clean it and brush it.[28] The hair of the head and beard is to be thoroughly combed. Any hairs that come off the body are to be buried together with him.[29]]

Cutting the nails:[30] One cuts the nails of the deceased. [However, the widespread custom today is to no longer cut the nails but to simply clean them.[31]]

D. Immersing and dressing the body:

See Halacha’s 9-12. The following steps [E-G] take place after the immersion and dressing of the body, but prior to wrapping the body in the Tallis.[32]

E. Closing the eyes and mouth and straightening hands:

Closing the eyes and smearing earth:[33] One closes the eyes of the deceased. [The custom is to place earth and shards of earthenware on the eyes, as explained in F.]

Sons closing eyes: See Chapter 2 Halacha 4B and in next Halacha F!

Closing the mouth and smearing earth:[34] If the mouth of the deceased has opened, one is to close it through tying a string around his chin. [The custom is to place earth and shards of earthenware on the mouth, as explained in F.]

Leaving the hands open:[35] One is to beware that the hands of the deceased remain open and not clutched in a fist.

F. Smearing earth and placing earthenware shards on the eyes and mouth:[36]

The custom is to place earth and shards of earthenware on the eyes [and mouth[37]] of the deceased. [The earth is not to be smeared on other areas of the face.[38] This is done at the end of the Taharah.[39] It is best to do so only after the body is placed in the casket.[40] Only a small amount of earth should be placed, so it does not dirty the Tachrichin.[41] This done for both a man and woman.[42] The custom is to use earth from Eretz Yisrael for this purpose, as explained in H.[43]]

The sons:[44] Based on Kabbalah, it is proper for the sons to smear the earth on the body of his father.[45] Practically, the custom is for the sons not to do so.

G. Placing earth of Eretz Yisrael:[46]

Some are accustomed to place the earth of Eretz Yisrael in the grave. This custom has upon what to rely. [Preferably, earth from Har Hazeisim is to be used.[47] Practically, this is done at the conclusion of the Taharah[48], although some do it only after lowering the body into the grave.[49] It is customary to smear earth of Eretz Yisrael on the face [i.e. eyes/mouth], body, heart, palms of hand, and Bris of the deceased.[50] It is best to do so only after the body is placed in the casket.[51] One also places earth of Eretz Yisrael in a small bag, and places it under the head of the deceased, inside the casket.[52] One also scatters earth of Eretz Yisrael within the casket, prior to placing the body and Tallis/Soveiv inside.[53]]

H. Smearing eggs on the head:[54]

One mixes raw eggs together with their shell [and wine or vinegar or water[55]] and smears it on the head of the deceased.[56] [Some are accustomed to smear it throughout the body, while others are accustomed to not smear it at all, not even on the head.[57] The Chabad custom is to smear it only on the head, and only after the Tachrichin are placed on the body.[58] It is best to do so only after the body is placed in the casket.[59]]

I. Placing wood pieces in the hand of the deceased:[60]

Some are accustomed to place pieces of wood [called Geflich] into the hands of the deceased and to close the hands.[61] Some Poskim[62], however, negate this custom as it has no source, and goes against the age-old tradition that the hands of the deceased remain open. If they nevertheless desire to do so, the wood should be placed without closing the hands. Practically, the Chabad custom is not to do so at all[63], and even those who do so, many do it after the Taharah, although some delay doing it until the body is lowered into the grave.[64]

J. Additional Taharah customs for a Chasan or Kallah who passed away:[65]

If a Kallah passed away, some are accustomed to undo her hair [if it is braided]. If a Chasan passed away, they reveal his face and place ink and a quill near their body [to show that they would have had a Kesuba written for them if they were alive[66]]. They also place the key of the deceased, and a journal of his, near the body. All this is done out of Agmas Nefesh [expression of distress]. A Chuppah is done for the Chasan and Kallah and non-food materials are hung on the canopy, however not foods due to them becoming forbidden in benefit [and one thus transgresses Bal Tashchis]. [The above actions do not contain the prohibition of Darkei Emori.[67] Practically, we are no longer accustomed today to do any of the above matters, and we prevent those who desire to swerve from the custom.[68]]

The vessels used for the Taharah:[69] Some are accustomed to use only silver vessels for the Taharah. Gloves:[70] It is permitted for the Chevra Kadisha to wear gloves upon performing the Taharah in order not to contract any diseases.   Removing tubes:[71] Tubes that are attached to the body are not to be removed if doing so will cause blood to ooze out. Alternatively, as soon as they are removed, one is to place a gauze on the area to stop the blood. Clothing that contain blood:[72] Any clothing that contains blood is to be placed in the Aron near the feet of the deceased and buried with it. Blood that is expelled during the Taharah:[73] Any blood that is expelled from the body during the Taharah is to be gathered and placed near the feet of the body and buried with it.

__________________________________________________________________________

[1] Rama 352:4; Binyamon Zev; Ramban in Toras Hadam; Mishneh Shabbos 151a; Sefer Chassidim 732; Mavor Yabok Sefas Emes 25; See Nitei Gavriel 44; 44:22 regarding scrubbing off sticky areas

[2] Michaber 352:4; Tur 352 in name of Ramban that so is custom of all Jewry

The reason: This is done in order so the corpse does not smell, and people do not become disgusted by it. [Kol Bo, brought in Beir Hagoleh ibid]

[3] Nitei Gavriel 45:3

[4] Lechem Hapanim 352:4 from Seder Rechitza of Hillel Hazakein; Nitei Gavriel 39:9

[5] Chochmas Adam 157:8; Kitzur SHU”A 197:2; Seder Hillel Hazakein; Nitei Gavriel 44:4; See Gesher Hachaim 9:1 that in Yerushalyim the custom is to use cold water

[6] Nitei Gavriel 43:6-7; 44:3; See Darkei Chesed 11:3

[7] Gesher Hachaim 9:1 writes that the entire washing is done through the cloth for modesty purposes, with exception to Yom Tov; Darkei Chesed 11:5 that so is custom of Jerusalem

[8] See Gesher Hachaim 9:1; Darkei Chesed 11:4-5; Nitei Gavriel 44:7

[9] Gesher Hachaim 9:1

[10] Nitei Gavriel 44:7

[11] Gesher Hachaim 9:1

[12] Gesher Hachaim 9:1

[13] Nitei Gavriel 44:2; 5 regarding Yom Tov

[14] Nitei Gavriel 44:19

[15] Darkei Chesed 11:6; Nitei Gavriel 44:20 that some communities clean it with a cloth and then bury the cloth with the body.

[16] Gesher Hachaim 9:1 during the first washing and 9:2 during the scrubbing with soap

[17] See Michaber 339:1; Shach 339:3; Lechem Hapanim 352:4 in Seder Rechitza Gedola of Hillel Hazakein

[18] Omitted from Seder Taharah of Gesher Hachaim; Darkei Chesed and Nitei Gavriel

[19] Michaber 352:4; Tur 352 in name of Ramban that so is custom of all Jewry; See Nitei Gavriel 44:11-13

[20] The reason: This is done in order so the corpse does not smell and people do not become disgusted by it. [Kol Bo, brought in Beir Hagoleh ibid]

[21] Implication of Seder Rechitza Hillel Hazakein to clean rectum area until all excrement leaves; Mishmeres Shalom Tes 8; Poskim in Sdei Chemed Aveilus 125; See Gesher Hachaim in length that so is the custom in Eretz Yisrael; Darkei Chesed 11:4 footnote 2 that so is custom of some while others oppose; Nitei Gavriel 44:11 that so is custom of most communities today

[22] See Gesher Hachaim 9:3 for the entire practice in great detail

[23] Chochmas Adam Hanhagas Chevra Kadisha 6; Poskim in Sdei Chemed ibid; Darkei Chesed ibid; Poskim in Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 21

[24] Nitei Gavriel ibid

[25] Gesher Hachaim 9:3

[26] Gesher Hachaim ibid; Nitei Gavriel 44:12-13

[27] Michaber 352:4; Tur 352 in name of Ramban that so is custom of all Jewry

[28] See Kitzur SHU”A 197:2; Maharash Eiger Y.D. 47; Gesher Hachaim 9:4 footnote 3 writes they do not even comb the hair; Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 44:21

[29] Nitei Gavriel 44:7

[30] Rama 352:4; Chochmas Adam 157:8; Hanhagas Chevra Kadisha 6

[31] See Kitzur SHU”A 197:2; Maharash Eiger Y.D. 47; Gesher Hachaim 9:4 footnote 3; Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 44:21

[32] Darkei Chesed 12:9

[33] Michaber 352:3; Tur 352 in name of Ramban that so is custom of all Jewry; Darkei Chesed 12:9; See Admur 311:13

[34] Michaber 352:4; Tur 352 in name of Ramban that so is custom of all Jewry; See Michaber 339:1; Shach 339:2; Admur 311:13

[35] Beis Lechem Yehuda 362 in name of Tzavah of Rav Yehuda Hachassid; Kitzur SHU”A 197:5; Darkei Chesed 12:9 in name of Rokeiach, Sefer Chassidim and Rabbeinu Yerucham; See Chochmas Adam Matzeivas Moshe 9 and Pischeiy Teshuvah 352:4; See Reshimos 5 [printed in Toras Menachem Tziyon p. 26] that the Rebbe Rayatz instructed for a Tzetel to be placed in the right hand of his mother, as she wrote in her will, and for her hands to be closed over it so it does not fall out.

[36] Shach 362:1 in name of Derisha; Zohar Vayechi; Mavor Yabok Sifsei Rinanos 9; Lechem Hapanim 339; Gesher Hachaim 10:2; Nitei Gavriel 49:14; 76:13

[37] Shach 362:1 in name of Derisha; Darkei Chesed 12:9; Nitei Gavriel 49:19 regarding earthenware

[38] See Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 49:16 footnote 24; However, see Darkei Chesed 12:9

[39] Darkei Chesed 12:13; See Nitei Gavriel 76:13

Other customs: Some delay placing the earth and earthenware shards on the eyes and mouth until the burial, after the body is lowered into the grave. [See Sefarim in Nitei Gavriel 76:13 footnote 23]

[40] Darkei Chesed 12:13

[41] Nitei Gavriel 49:14; 76:16

[42] Nitei Gavriel 49:15

[43] See Rama 363:1; Mavor Yabok Sifsie Emes 9; Darkei Chesed 12:9; Nitei Gavriel 49:15

[44] Darkei Chesed 11:7; Nitei Gavriel 49:20; 76:15

[45] See Mavor Yabok Sifsei Rinanos 9; Nitei Gavriel 49:20; Many Sefarim brought in Nitei Gavriel 76:15 footnote 32

[46] Rama 363:1; See Gesher Hachaim 27:9

[47] Gesher Hachaim ibid; Nitei Gavriel 49:17

[48] Gesher Hachaim ibid; Darkei Chesed 12:9; Nitei Gavriel 49:17; 76:11

[49] Mavor Yabok Sefas Emes 27; Kitzur SHU”A 198:2; See Nitei Gavriel 76:11

[50] Mavor Yabok Sifsie Emes 9 [omits face]; Darkei Chesed 12:9; Nitei Gavriel 49:17 [See there footnote 27 that so is the Chabad custom]

[51] Darkei Chesed 12:13

[52] Beir Heiytiv 362:1; Darkei Chesed 12:16; Nitei Gavriel 49:18

[53] Darkei Chesed 12:16

[54] Rama 352:4; Kol Bo; Chasam Sofer 327, brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah 352:4

[55] Kitzur SHU”A 197:4 “wine, or water if not available; Darkei Chesed 12:9; Poskim in Nitei Gavriel 44:25 footnote 46

[56] The reason: This serves as a sign that death is a recurring cycle. [Rama ibid]

[57] See Chochmas Adam in Matzeivas Moshe 8, brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah 352:4 that the custom should be nullified; Gesher Hachaim 9:4 footnote 3 that they do not do this custom; Darkei Chesed 12:9 footnote 15; Nitei Gavriel 44:25 footnotes 49-52

[58] Darkei Chesed 12:9; Nitei Gavriel 44:25

[59] Darkei Chesed 12:13

[60] See Nitei Gavriel 76:14

[61] Chasam Sofer Y.D. 327, brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah 352:4; Kesav Sofer Y.D. 171; Darkie Chaim Veshalom 985; many Sefarim recorded in Nitei Gavriel 76:14 footnote 27

[62] Chochmas Adam in Matzeivas Moshe 9, brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah ibid; Kitzur SHU”A 197:5

[63] Darkei Chesed 12:9 that our custom is not to do so; Nitei Gavriel 76:14 footnote 27 that so is Minhag Chabad

[64] See Nitei Gavriel ibid

[65] Michaber 350:1; Braisa in Miseches Semachos

[66] Beis Hillel 350

[67] Title of chapter 350

[68] Shach 350:1; Bach 350

[69] Nitei Gavriel 39:11

[70] Nitei Gavriel 43:13

[71] Nitei Gavriel 44:10

[72] Nitei Gavriel 44:6

[73] Darkei Chesed 11:6; Nitei Gavriel 44:19; See 44:23 regarding Dam Nida that it does not require burial; See Gesher Hachaim 11 that from the letter of the law, blood that is released after death does not require burial unless there is a Revius, and thus he concludes that only the bloody clothing should be buried, but drops that fall may be ignored; See Darkei Chesed 13:5