What is the role of a shomer in Jewish funeral practices?

The role of a shomer in Jewish funeral practices is to guard the body. This responsibility is rooted in the belief that the deceased deserves respect and protection after death. The shomer stays with the body, vigilantly overseeing it to ensure that it remains undisturbed and treated with the utmost dignity. This duty not only reflects a profound respect for the deceased but also serves as a way to honor the individual by caring for them in their final moments.

While other roles involved in funeral practices, such as conducting the service or preparing the body, are significant, they do not encapsulate the specific duty of a shomer. The shomer's presence is especially important during the period leading up to the burial, as Jewish law emphasizes the sanctity of the body and the need for continuous watch, which highlights the communal and familial bonds surrounding death.