A Jewish ritual cleansing of the deceased fulfills the verse from Ecclesiastes 5:14, "As we come forth, so we shall return."

Acknowledging sins allows for individual purification.

In Judaism, peace is not merely the opposite of war, but denotes an ideal state of affairs.

Why does the mezuzah go on a diagonal?

The famed red heifer is a key part of a biblical purification process. But why do we need laws to create a system of purity and impurity in the first place?

Unable to see beyond their own fears and insecurities, 10 of the 12 spies despaired of conquering Canaan.

Embalming contravenes several core Jewish principles around death, but there are rare cases in which it is permitted.

How one woman, in the middle of her own year of mourning, joined this "holy society" of those who prepare the dead for burial--and what it has meant to her.

The chevra kadisha is a group of committed Jews who prepare the body for burial.

The reasons this holiday lasts so long.