Why Is Time Such a Concern for Burial?
Within Judaism, there are a number of unique traditions regarding funeral and burial services after the death of a loved one. One of the most well-known, but perhaps least understood, customs involves the requirement that the body be interred as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. What is the basis for such a practice? Let’s take a closer look.
What Does Jewish Law Say about the Timeliness of Burial?
Under Jewish law, a body must be committed to the ground as soon as possible after death. In the Torah, in Deuteronomy 21:23, the admonition is given that, when a person dies, “thou shalt surely bury him the same day.” The same passage further states that “(h)is body shall not remain all night.” This has been interpreted to mandate that burial take place within 24 hours. This is consistent with Jewish teaching that man is made in the image of G-d and should be afforded the deepest respect, even in death.
Are There Psychological Reasons for a Prompt Burial?
Many Jewish authorities also insist that the admonition to inter a body within one day offers important mental and emotional benefits. Upon the death of a loved one, mourning must begin. To add the mental and emotional strain of a long and drawn out period before burial forces the bereaved to “dwell in the valley of the shadow of death.” Being physically present with the deceased for any amount of time is painful, so it should be minimized to the extent possible.
How Does a Timely Burial Benefit the Deceased?
In the Jewish faith, a person’s soul is considered to be in limbo between the time of death and interment. The soul no longer resides in the body, but it cannot abandon or forsake the body until it is buried. The soul will eventually return to heaven, from whence it came, but it cannot do so until the body is returned to its place of origin. Because man comes from dust, he must return to dust. When the body is committed to the ground, it has been returned to dust, freeing the soul to return to heaven. The requirement that the body be buried within 24 hours allows the soul to begin its journey to heaven as quickly as possible.
When Can a Jewish Burial Be Delayed?
Though all reasonable effort should be made to inter the body within 24 hours, there are situations where that may not happen:
- Where essential mourners live too far away to arrive within 24 hours—The decision to delay is typically up to the family, but usually in consultation with a rabbi. Because the presence of close friends and family members is deemed a way of honoring the deceased, burial may be delayed up to approximately three days to accommodate out-of-town mourners.
- Holidays and Fridays—A Jewish burial will never be scheduled on a Friday afternoon, as it marks the beginning of the Sabbath. Furthermore, Jewish law generally prohibits burial on a major festival or holiday.
- Where a specific rabbi is requested—If the rabbi is not available within 24 hours, a reasonable time may be allowed
- Where a casket is not available or the body cannot be properly prepared in a timely manner—Jewish law mandates the proper preparation and treatment of the body before and during burial
- Where the law requires an autopsy or post-mortem exam
- Upon special dispensation from a rabbi—If the family has other compelling reasons for delaying burial, they may seek permission from a rabbi
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for 125 Years
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, with funeral chapels in New York and Florida, we have provided comprehensive funeral and burial services to the Jewish community for more than five generations. We can assist you with any issue that may arise after the death of a loved one, from the order of service at the memorial to the selection of a monument or marker, the creation of a Yahrzeit calendar or the details of sitting Shiva. We will also be your liaison with the Chevra Kadisha, ensuring the proper cleansing and preparation of the body for burial. We provide comprehensive funeral and burial services to individuals and families from all Jewish traditions.
If you need assistance with funeral and burial preparations after the death of a loved one, or simply want to learn how we can be of service to you, call us at one of the numbers provided below. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.
Gutterman’s & Gutterman Warheit — Where Relationships Matter
Family Owned and Operated Since 1892
Rockville Centre: (516)764-9400 | Woodbury: (516)921-5757 | Brooklyn: (718)284-1500
Boca Raton, FL: (561)997-9900 | (800)992-9262