Death to Burial in Judaism

by Caryn Meltz

Genesis 3:19: “For you are dust and to dust shall you return.” Death is not a curse but a natural component of human nature. Since humans came from the earth, it is only natural that they return to earth. In essence, death is a part of the life cycle.

The Jewish laws exist to console and comfort the mourner.

Moment of Death

Whoever is with the person at the time of his or her death may not leave the room (unless that person’s emotions are uncontrollable or he or she is physically ill). It’s the greatest respect to watch over the deceased when he or she goes from this world to the next.

The eyes and mouth of the deceased should be shut and a sheet should be drawn over the face. Feet should be positioned facing the doorway. The deceased should never be left alone until the time of burial. The Burial Society -is called at this time. Here at Ohavi Zedek we encourage you to call Shimmy Cohen (893-1992) or Rabbi Chasan (864-0218).

Care of the Deceased

The body is immediately tended to in order to show it utmost respect. Although the soul has departed, the body continues to be respected for having once housed the spirit of God. Immediate members of the family should not be present while preparing the body for the burial.

The deceased is dressed in a shroud. All human beings are considered equal, and therefore, are all dressed in the same manner. Poor and rich alike are dressed in a simple white garment without pockets. The body is then wrapped in a prayer shawl with one of the fringes cut to symbolize the mourning period and loss. The casket, too, is simple and made completely of wood.

The burial should be made as soon as possible. Deuteronomy 21:23: “His body shall not remain all night … you shall bury him on that day.” The soul has already returned to God, so it is only proper to “return” the body as well.

The Funeral

The service is directed toward honoring the departed.

Rending the Garment

Genesis 37:34: “Then Jacob rent his garments and placed sackcloth on his loins.” Jacob rent his clothes upon seeing Joseph’s torn up coat with blood stains and assumed that he was dead.

The mourner’s act of rending a garment is an outward expression of the rending of the soul that grief causes. There are three opportunities upon which to rend the garment: upon hearing of the death, at the funeral chapel, or at the cemetery.

Funeral Service

Verses from the Psalms and the Prophets are read. A Memorial Prayer is also said as well as a eulogy. The eulogy serves two purposes: 1) praises the deceased for his/her qualities 2) expresses grief on behalf of the mourners and the rest of the community. Abraham eulogized his wife Sarah upon her death (Genesis 23:2).

Burial

The deceased must be buried in the earth; therefore, cremation and embalming are forbidden. There should be a natural decomposition of the body.

There are several customs as to who the pallbearers should be. Usually family and close friends fill this role and they are the ones to start shoveling earth into the grave.

Kaddish, the prayer recited for the deceased is recited at this time.

Shiva

The word Shevah in Hebrew means seven, and the word Shiva is taken from that to mean seven days of mourning following the funeral.

During the week of Shiva, any family member and friends come to comfort the mourners, regardless of their religious beliefs. At the first meal after the funeral, mourners eat a hard-boiled egg whose roundness reminds us that life is like a circle and the mourners have no words to describe their loss.

Yahrzeit, click here.