Which term also refers to the act of washing and purification of the body before burial?

• A. Yizkor
• B. Yahrzeit
• C. Taharah
• D. Kever

Answer: (C)

Taharah names the ritual washing and purification of the body before burial. In Jewish practice this is performed with reverence by members of the chevra kadisha, involving washing the body and preparing it for burial, often followed by dressing in tachrich, the simple white shroud. This cleansing symbolizes respect and purity as the person returns to the earth. The other terms refer to different aspects of mourning or burial: Yizkor is a memorial prayer for the dead, Yahrzeit marks the annual anniversary of a death, and Kever means the grave itself. Taharah uniquely identifies the cleansing rite performed before burial.