In Jewish tradition, the act of washing the deceased as a form of purification is known as what?

In Jewish tradition, the act of washing the deceased as a form of purification is known as Taharah. This ritual is part of the preparations for burial and is performed by the Chevra Kadisha, a group of volunteers dedicated to caring for the dead. The washing symbolizes the purification of the body, allowing it to be treated with respect and dignity before burial. The process emphasizes the belief in the sanctity of the human body and the importance of treating it honorably after death. Taharah involves not just the washing, but also dressing the body in a simple white shroud, aligning with practices that underscore modesty and equality in death.

In contrast, Kaddish refers to a prayer for the deceased, Nishmat is a prayer of praise, and Yahrzeit marks the anniversary of a death, each serving a different purpose within Jewish customs related to honor, remembrance, and mourning. These terms highlight the diverse aspects of Jewish rituals, but they do not specifically pertain to the purification process of washing the deceased.