The growing number of Reform Jews who are choosing to be buried according to Jewish tradition may turn to Temple Mount Sinai's Chevrah Kadishah ("sacred burial society"), trusting that they will perform the mitzvah of l'viat hameyt - "attending to the dead" - guided by traditional Jewish law, liberal Jewish sensitivities, and an overriding concern for k'vod hameyt - the dignity of the deceased.

Attending to the dead is considered a chesed shel emet - the ultimate act of kindness. It is ultimate because, almost by definition, it cannot be done for anything other than pure motives. There is no payment, and no possibility of the recipient "returning the favor." Indeed, attending to the dead is such an important and holy act that the Midrash imagines God modeling it for us (Talmud Bavli, Sotah 14a):

R. Simlai expounded: Consider the Torah! There is a deed of loving-kindness at its beginning and a deed of loving-kindness at its end. Loving-kindness at its beginning: "the Lord God made for Adam and his wife garments of skins and clothed them" (Gen. 3:21). Loving-kindness at its end: "and He buried [Moses] in the valley" (Deut. 34:6).

If you wish to be buried according to the rites of the Chevrah Kadishah, make sure your family and the Temple know your wishes. At the time of death, the Chevrah Kadishah will arrange to perform the rituals with love and respect.

Read more about Temple's funeral guidelines here.