שְׁמִירָה — Guarding the deceased. Jewish tradition holds that the body should never be left alone between death and burial. Sh’mira is an act of Chesed Shel Emet: pure, selfless care offered to someone who can no longer respond, but who is still owed our presence.
שׁוֹמֵר / שׁוֹמֶרֶת — Spiritual watcher. Jewish tradition holds that the body should never be left alone between death and burial. A Shomer or Shomeret sits with the deceased, often reciting psalms.
חֶסֶד שֶׁל אֱמֶת — Chessed Shel Emet is considered a core Jewish value during someone's death. Preparing the body for burial, keeping spiritual watch, and accompanying the body are all acts of kindness for the deceased.
