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

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 happens to the money when we pre-pay our funerals?

In Pennsylvania, funeral directors are required by law to deposit in escrow or trust the entire amount of the monies received by the funeral director for future expenses. None of this money is avai...

GoFundMe for Funeral Expenses

An unexpected loss can be devastating—not only emotionally, but also financially. Many people turn to GoFundMe and other platforms to raise money for funeral costs because they feel stuck. But usin...

What happens if I die away from my hometown?

Although it is seldom that death occurs when traveling for business or pleasure, it occasionally happens. The short answer to the question is, “Call the funeral director of your choice in you...

Is embalming required by law?

Embalming is only required by Pennsylvania law under certain circumstances. If it is the desire of the family to have a public viewing of the deceased, the law requires that the body be embal...

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...