Greater Lansing Chevra Kadisha

Guidelines for Shomrim

Sitting with the body of the deceased as a shomer (guardian) is an important way to express kevod ha-met—respect for the body (met/ah) of the deceased as the vessel which housed the soul in life.

In our community, when you volunteer to be a shomer you may sit with the deceased during a portion of the period of time between the end of taharah (ritual purification) and the time of the funeral service, or at an earlier time, before the taharah has been performed. If the time you sit is before taharah, the met/ah is under refrigeration in a different part of the building, and there is no coffin in the room. If it is between taharah and the funeral, the body is in a closed coffin and is not on view. Shmira takes place in a room in the funeral home.

When you are a shomer you should observe the following guidelines:

• Dress in a way which shows respect for the solemnity of the occasion.
• Arrive early for your shift so you have time to use the restroom, if needed, and find the room where you are to sit.
• Greet the shomrim from the previous shift quietly.
• Refrain from unnecessary conversation while in the room where shmira is being observed.
• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or sleep while you are a shomer.
• It is traditional for shomrim to read silently from the biblical books of Psalms or Job. It is equally appropriate to meditate or read other inspirational readings. Books will be provided in the room; you may bring an appropriate book to read from if you wish.
• Avoid having your back to the coffin.
• If there is no coffin in the room, direct your thoughts in the general direction of the place where the met/ah is resting in another room.