Once the proper technique has been mastered, our teams have found the tahara goes smoothly and efficiently and quickly, with maximum honor to the mais, and a minimum or no disturbance of organs and internal fluids.  Instructions on how to use the tahara board:

1. Remove the plastic straps completely from the hoist.
2. Once the table is aligned with the hoist, one or two members bring the board to the table.  (It may be slid on the floor until it is alongside the table and lifted by two people.) Note:  The table should be placed on the table so the nifter’s shoulders will be right under the long cords and the head will be able to rest on the second to the top cross board.
3. The other two members turn the mais to a 90 degree angle with table.
4.  Place board on its side, (smooth side towards mais) also 90 degrees with the table surface, tucking loops and buckles under the board to not touch the mais.  The long cords should be pulled all the way down the side and out of the way as well.
5. Roll the body onto the board carefully and delicately as the board is lowered to the table.
6. Putting your arms under the slats of the board it is simple to lift the body and position it fully onto the board.
7. Each of the two long cords is then stretched across the body (for women – under the cover sheet) and through loops on the other side and back to the first side, forming an ‘x’ across the body and securing it firmly and gently to the board. The end of the cord can be tucked under or secured with a loose knot.
8. Secure the six hoist clamps to the corresponding six metal hooks on the board.
9. The tahara can proceed with little effort needed to keep the body in place and under the water.  The person positioned by the head will lower and lift the board while the others easily keep the body under the water.
10.  After the tahara, lower the board close to the lip on the side of the table, remove hooks and cords taking care to tuck loops, cords and buckles under the board before turning so as not to get caught under the body.
11.  Please rehook the plastic straps to the buckles on the hoist, on one side, out of courtesy to the funeral home.

Also: In our ongoing efforts in this important mitzva we do, we continue to share clips from the Chevra Conference so our methodology and techniques are the best they can be and we are all on the same page and coordinated.

Please make every effort to watch the clips.                        

Responsibility of the Chevra Kadisha 2014  6 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3byd7T2lo

The Value of a Minhag      4 minutes

Tizku L’Mitzvos!