Who is the watcher (sitter) who remains with the body until burial, known in Hebrew as the shimra?

Who is the watcher (sitter) who remains with the body until burial, known in Hebrew as the shimra?

• A. Shivah
• B. Shabbat
• C. Tachrichim
• D. Shomer

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is the role of the person who stays with the deceased until burial. The best answer is the one who is called a shomer, the watcher or guard. A shomer sits with the body from the time of death through the period of vigil, often overnight, to show respect and protect the integrity of the deceased until burial. The Hebrew term for the vigil itself is shmirah (shimra), while the person performing it is the shomer. This role is distinct from shivah (the seven-day mourning period), Shabbat (the Sabbath), or tachrichim (the burial shrouds), which refer to other aspects of Jewish funeral and mourning practice.

The concept being tested is the role of the person who stays with the deceased until burial. The best answer is the one who is called a shomer, the watcher or guard. A shomer sits with the body from the time of death through the period of vigil, often overnight, to show respect and protect the integrity of the deceased until burial. The Hebrew term for the vigil itself is shmirah (shimra), while the person performing it is the shomer. This role is distinct from shivah (the seven-day mourning period), Shabbat (the Sabbath), or tachrichim (the burial shrouds), which refer to other aspects of Jewish funeral and mourning practice.