What is the role of a "shomer" in the Jewish burial process?

The role of a "shomer" in the Jewish burial process is fundamentally about observing and protecting the deceased's body. This practice honors the deceased by ensuring that the body is never left alone before burial, which is a mark of respect and reverence in Jewish tradition. The shomer typically sits with the body, reciting psalms or other prayers, providing both companionship to the deceased and support to the grieving family.

This role is essential because it reflects the Jewish value of honoring the dead (kavod met) and fulfilling the mitzvah of providing respectful treatment to the deceased. It reinforces the belief in the sanctity of life and death, acknowledging the transition the individual is experiencing.

The other options, while related to various aspects of funeral customs and mourning within Judaism, do not capture the specific and unique function of the shomer. For example, officiating the funeral service and leading the mourning prayers involve different roles that are typically designated to rabbis or designated mourners (shiva minyan), rather than the shomer. Overseeing burial arrangements also speaks to the logistical aspects of the burial process, distinguishing it from the personal duty of the shomer who focuses on being present with the body itself.