The Requirements for Compliance with Jewish Law
In the Jewish faith, while life is revered, death is considered a part of the natural cycle of life. Furthermore, Jewish tradition holds fast to the belief, set forth in Genesis 3:19, that we are created from dust and will return to dust. For that reason, the construction of a Jewish coffin looks very different from other traditions.
What Are the Basic Requirements for a Jewish Coffin?
Under Jewish law (Halacha), to be considered a kosher casket, the coffin must be constructed of wood. This is because wood is a naturally biodegradable material that will decompose and return to the earth. Metal and nails are generally not permitted, as they don’t decompose in the same manner or at the same rate as wood. The casket must also have rabbinical certification.
How Are Jewish Coffins Typically Held Together?
A Jewish coffin may be glued together, but the carpenter must avoid certain types of glues. Any glue that is made from animal by-products, such as hide glue, is not permitted. Typically, the casket is assembled with dowels and glue, but may also be doweled and pegged, without the use of glue at all.
Are There Restrictions on the Types of Wood That May Be Used?
Because simplicity is paramount in the construction of a Jewish casket, pine is customarily the wood of choice. There are no restrictions, so oak, cedar, mahogany, walnut and cherry are also commonly used. These woods also symbolize strength and a connection to the earth.
The caskets must generally be unadorned and lack ostentation. Accordingly, any type of finish on the wood is typically frowned on, not only because of the requirement of simplicity, but also because the finish can interfere with decomposition of the wood. Additionally, most types of fabricated woods, such as plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) can be problematic as well, as they contain glues and other substances that may not be kosher.
According to the Talmud, for millennia Jewish people were separated in death, with the wealthy typically displaying opulence and extravagance in their funeral and burial practices. A first-century Jewish leader, Rabban Gamliel II, believed that such practices were frivolous and opted, upon death, to be buried in a simple shroud. The Talmud notes that Gamliel’s burial became a model for subsequent generations.
Is It True that Jewish Coffins Have Holes in Them?
Yes. Because of the admonition to return to the earth, Jewish coffins typically either have holes drilled in the bottom or gaps between the slats on the bottom.
Are There Limitations on What May Go Inside a Jewish Coffin?
According to Jewish beliefs, material possessions belong to the physical world. The only things that may accompany a person in his or death are good deeds and charitable acts. For that reason, a person may not have any material objects in his or her coffin. Some rabbis have allowed material objects to be placed on top of a casket, but such objects are typically not permitted below the casket, as they will interfere with the body’s return to the earth.
In addition, all materials inside the coffin must generally be biodegradable, including any lining or padding used. In most instances, these parts of the coffin are made of straw or cotton.
Must a Jewish Casket Be Constructed by a Jewish Carpenter?
No. There are no restrictions on who may build the casket.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for Over 130 Years
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, with funeral chapels in New York and Florida, we have provided comprehensive funeral and burial services to individuals and families Jewish community for more than five generations . We have a thorough understanding of the different customs within each tradition and can offer assistance and guidance on any issue, whether it’s the selection of a casket or monument, the order of service at the memorial, the details of sitting Shiva or the preparation of a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha to ensure that the body has been properly prepared according to Jewish law prior to burial.
To learn how we can help, send us an email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
Gutterman’s & Gutterman Warheit — Where Relationships Matter
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