Submitted by Leonie Fleiszig on 26 February 2008 - 5:09pm.
The Shomer is a film that demystifies Jewish death rituals. These rites are elaborate and precise. The head of the Chevra Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society) explains these traditions in a very straightforward manner. His compassion for the deceased makes this film compelling viewing. The customs and the reasons behind them are eloquently explained. There are no fancy coffins, fine clothes to be buried in or funeral directors fighting for your business. Everybody is treated the same. For most people, including Jews, this would be the first time they would have seen many of these rituals. It is a compliment to the filmmakers that they have produced such a gripping film on a topic that is not usually talked about.
First time viewing, even for Jews
The Shomer is a film that demystifies Jewish death rituals. These rites are elaborate and precise. The head of the Chevra Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society) explains these traditions in a very straightforward manner. His compassion for the deceased makes this film compelling viewing. The customs and the reasons behind them are eloquently explained. There are no fancy coffins, fine clothes to be buried in or funeral directors fighting for your business. Everybody is treated the same. For most people, including Jews, this would be the first time they would have seen many of these rituals. It is a compliment to the filmmakers that they have produced such a gripping film on a topic that is not usually talked about.