Martha, that sounds interesting and thanks for the information. I guess then "open casket" services are out since decomposition smells will start almost immediately without embalming? Which makes me wonder why Joan Rivers, Jewish and a member of a temple, sounded like she wanted an open casket since she wanted to be decked out then was cremated rather than buried? May be a bad example but one in the news right now to use as a reference.
Thanks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Martha Katz-Hyman
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 10:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] Cemeteries and Burial question
Craig,
Jewish law specifically forbids embalming as it delays the natural processes that return the body to the earth, unless it is required by civil law. Therefore Jewish funerals and burials usually take place within a day or, at most, 2 days, after death. In some cases burial takes place the same day! Since Jewish law is quite specific in this matter, in cities with large Jewish communities, funerals are handled by funeral homes experienced in this area, usually Jewish-owned. In smaller communities, like Newport News, the Jewish community arranges with one or more funeral homes to do Jewish burials, instructing them on the laws and rituals required.
There are lots of sources that explain Jewish law and customs regarding death, burial and mourning. Here are three of those links:
http://www.jewishfederations.org/funeral-customs.aspx
http://www.uscj.org/JewishLivingandLearning/Lifecycle/JewishFuneralPractice/GuidetoJewishFuneralPractice.aspx
http://www.jewish-funeral-guide.com/tradition/funeral-customs.htm
Hope this helps.
Martha Katz-Hyman
Curator
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Williamsburg, VA
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