Why are people of the Jewish faith buried so soon after death?

By: William Spence
Friday, November 10, 2023

There are various sects of Judaism, each with slightly different customs and practices. Jewish funeral customs are based on their belief and understanding of life, death, soul (neshama), and afterlife. Jews believe the soul is immortal and is the complete essence of the person - thoughts, deeds, experiences, and relationships. In life, the mortal body was the container for the neshama. Following death, the neshama hovers in the vicinity of the body and refuses to begin its journey to the Eternal World until the body is buried. The Tahara (Preparation) requires that every effort must be made to allow the body to return to its original elements as quickly as possible for the nashama to complete its journey to God. Although the body is cared for by proper cleansing and dressing, attempts to create a life-like appearance of the deceased by means of embalming, cosmetics, and other restorative procedures are strictly prohibited. Metal caskets and mausoleums are also forbidden by Jewish law and cremation is considered the ultimate form of indignity toward the body.

Resource: www.jewishsacredsociety.com

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.
Refresh
Audio

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Can I be buried on my own property?

According to the legal counsel of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania does not have laws restricting one from being buried on their own property. The legality of being buri...

How included should children be in funerals?

This is a great question that often gets asked.  For the record, I am not a licensed psychologist, counselor, or even a parent.  However, my study and observation have provided me with se...

What is meant by Green Burial?

Green burial is an alternative method of disposition that allows the remains of a person to return back to the earth naturally. Ideally, green burial minimizes the impact disposition has on the env...

Are vaults required in Pennsylvania?

Vaults or other types of outer burial containers are not required by federal or Pennsylvania state law to be placed in the ground prior to a casket being buried. However, most cemeteries in Lancast...

What is “preplanning” and how does it benefit me?

Preplanning is simply a matter of taking care of your funeral service details before the need arises. Today, more and more people are making the thoughtful decision to discuss their final arrangeme...

How should I dress for a funeral?

In the past, custom dictated that immediate family wore black clothing to the funeral of a deceased family member. While other relatives and friends didn’t necessarily need to be dressed in bl...

“Grief is just love with no place to go.”

Although I have been a licensed funeral director for 27 years, families are still teaching me new things about love, death, and grieving. I was recently presented with a thoughtful quote that I had...

What is the PA state law regarding funeral processions?

As one might expect, each state has its own laws regarding funeral processions. In Pennsylvania, each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights lit and emergency lights flashing as well as...

The thing about “Closure”

The longer I am a funeral director the greater disdain I have for the word “closure” as it is used in the context of one’s grief. Many well-meaning individuals, and even professionals, often offer ...

What happens to money I pre-pay if you are no longer in business or you sell your business?

Nearly every person who pre-funds their funeral will ask this question, and rightfully so. It’s wise to know how your money will be invested and what safeguards are in place to protect it for its i...