Ḥevra Kadisha of Prague

The Ḥevra Kadisha, or burial society, of Prague was founded in 1564. The regulations of the society were written by Judah Loew (the Maharal) and authorized by the government. The Ḥevra Kadisha was responsible for visiting the sick, prayers at the deathbed, preparing bodies for burial, the burial itself, memorialization, and comforting mourners. The regulations of the society ensured that every Jew would be buried in the Jewish cemetery, regardless of his or her financial means. Any profits were used for the benefit of the Jewish community, to help the poor, support orphans, support education, or maintain the cemetery. A series of Baroque-style paintings from 1770 depicts the customs and ceremonies of the Prague Ḥevra Kadisha. Likewise, a number of silver ritual objects used by the society have been preserved. The ceremonial hall of the society (used as a mortuary, for the purification of bodies and with a meeting room for the members) is today used by the Jewish Museum of Prague as part of its exhibition space.