[CJL]

Jewish funeral rituals developed from Scripture. Specific practices may vary depending on the branch of Judaism involved. Much respect is shown to a body. Traditional Judaism holds that the body should be buried quickly to prevent exposing it to possible mockery or insult from enemies or by other means. This is also why coffins are not open for viewing. Deuternonomy 21:23 states that a ‘body shall not remain all night … but … bury him the same day.’ Because of the clear reference here to burial, cremation is forbidden. Most often, the funeral is the day after death unless the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night) intervenes, requiring a delay. The body is carefully washed, and someone sits with it, reading Psalms, until the burial. Embalming is not permitted because the blood is part of oneself, which must be buried with the body, not removed and discarded. Also, the body must be allowed the possibility to return to the earth (‘For dust you are and to dust you shall return.’ Gen. 3:19) Embalming might impede this. In special cases, autopsies may be allowed, but after examination all body parts must be buried with the corpse. Unless forbidden by local law, plain wooden coffins buried in the earth are preferred, because natural decomposition can take place. Watertight vaults and anything else designed to preserve the body are discouraged.

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Name : CJL, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : formerly Jewish, Age : 50, City : West Bloomfield, State : MI, Country : United States, Occupation : Consultant, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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