Shmira Guidelines

Thank you for considering the mitzvah of shmira

“Shmira is the practice of sitting near but not in the same room as the casket in order to fulfill the Jewish concept of k’vod ha’briot, honor for the dead. Shmira means ‘watching’ or ‘guarding’ and is a way of caring for someone when they can no longer care for themselves."  Rabbi Aaron Brusso

• Please dress respectfully for the solemnity of the occasion.
• Park in the rear of the King David Chapel building. The rear door will remain open for you.
• Arrive early for your shift so you will have time to use the restroom, if needed, and find the Parlor room.
• Greet the shomrim from the previous shift quietly.
• Refrain from unnecessary conversation while in the room where shmira is being observed.
• Respect and reflect. This mitzvah is different from shiva, therefore singles or couples are better than groups of friends.
• Please limit cell phone use. You can bring a water bottle if you like.
• Please don’t wander the building. Shomrim may be sitting in other rooms.
• It is traditional for shomrim to read silently from Psalms or other similar reading. Books will be provided in the room. You may bring an appropriate book to read from if you wish.

Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions, please contact us:

Andy Benjamin, topgum49@gmail.com, 263-1658
Marc Goldstein, marc@goldsteingrp.com