An introduction to
Jewish Burial Customs
What happens to the Soul after death should make all the difference in your burial decisions.
When a person dies, the soul or neshama hovers around the body. This neshama is the essence of the person, the consciousness and identity. It represents the departed's thoughts, deeds, experiences and relationships. The body was its container, while it lasted, and the neshama, now on the way to the Eternal World, refuses to leave until the body is buried and returned to the earth from which it was formed (Genesis - 3:19). In effect, the totality of the person who died continues to exist for while in the vicinity of the body. A Jewish funeral is therefore most concerned with the feelings of the deceased, not only the feelings of the mourners. We must treat the body and behave around the body with great sensitivity. The soul is cognizant and present - it is deeply pained if the body is treated without dignity.
SHMIRA/The Vigil
From the moment of death until the moment of burial
the body is never left alone.
Now more than ever, the body deserves respect. After all, there is a true awareness hovering about. The soul is present and aware of all that is taking place. It would be insensitive to leave the body alone, without any attention, as if it were being discarded because it was no longer useful. Arrangements for a shomer/watchman should therefore be made. These watchmen stay with the body day and night, reciting passages from the Book of Psalms. This lends great comfort to the neshama while it waits for the body's burial and its ascent to the Eternal World.
TAHARA/Cleansing and Purification
A newborn is immediately cleaned and washed when it enters the world. And so it is when a person leaves the world. After all, the soul is about to be reborn in a new spiritual world. We also believe that eventually the body will be resurrected in this world. A Tahara is performed by members of the Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society). This is a complete cleansing and dressing of the body, performed according to Jewish Law and Custom. Prayers asking for the forgiveness of the deceased and the souls eternal peace are offered. While Tahara requires that the body be made as presentable as possible, embalming, cosmetizing or any other attempts to create a life-like appearance through artificial means are contrary to Jewish law.
TACHRICHIM/The Shroud
Dressing for the final Yom Kippur
The neshama is about to face its final Judgement Day and clothes don't matter - good deeds do. That's why every Jew is buried exactly alike. In handmade, simple, perfectly clean, white linen shroud which includes a white linen hat, shirt, pants, shoes, coat and belt. Men are dressed in a tallis (prayer shawl). The shrouds have no pockets to accentuate the fact that no worldly belongings accompany him. The shrouds are modeled after the white uniform worn by the High Priest in the Holy Temple when he stood before G-d asking for the needs of his family and the entire Jewish People. These traditional shrouds are especially appropriate as each and every neshama prays for the needs of his or her family on the final Judgement Day.
ARON/The Casket
Allowing the body's natural return to dust to be as swift as possible.
"For dust you are and to dust you shall return"(Genesis 3:19). This biblical teaching reaffirms our belief in an immortal creator of mortal man. It is a fundamental statement of faith that guides us in selecting a casket. The casket must not be made of a material that slows down the body's natural return to the elements. Metal caskets are therefore not permitted. Wood is the only material allowed and several holes are opened at the bottom to hasten the body's return to the earth. When vaults are required, they too should be opened at the bottom. Casket lids remain closed. Jewish law does not permit viewing the deceased. Viewing the body in its current state is seen as disrespectful and undignified.
KVURA BiKARKA/In-ground Burial
The natural decomposition of the body is of utmost importance in
Jewish Law.
The neshama's return to heaven is dependent upon the body's return to the ground. That's what the Prophet means when he says, "The dust returns to the earth& and the spirit return to G-d who gave it". Jewish Law is therefore concerned with the immediacy of burial and the natural decomposition of the body. Mausoleums are forbidden since they retard the process of return to the earth. Cremation is certainly forbidden. It is the harshest form of indignity to the body and a pagan ritual that denies the existence of G-d. The only acceptable burial is directly in the ground, with family members and friends helping to fill the grave completely until a mound is formed. No embalming or other effort to retard the body's decomposition is permitted.
The Role of the
Chevra Kadisha/Burial Society
Preparing a fellow Jew for burial is an especially great Mitzvah.
Throughout Jewish history, being a member of the Chevra Kadisha has been regarded as a great honor. Members of the Burial Society are selected for their character, integrity and personal devotion to Jewish Tradition. These men and women are on call 24 hours a day, to perform a Tahara and to ensure that the laws and traditions of Jewish burial are executed properly. Their greatest concern is the sensitive care, modesty and dignity of the deceased. Men care for men, women care for women, Jew cares for fellow Jew. There is no better way to ensure the dignity of the deceased then by entrusting his or her care to the Chevra Kadisha.
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