Do the Remains of Cremation Need to be Buried According to Judaism?
In Judaism, there are a series of customs surrounding death and burial. These customs evolve from the preparation of the body for burial, known as Tahara, to the funeral, from where the deceased is honored and remembered, to the actual burial in a Jewish cemetery. However, what happens when the body is cremated and the remains are left? This article delves into how Jewish law and tradition address this issue.
Traditions and Customary Practices
When a loved one passes away, the immediate Tahara process begins. This involves cleaning and preparing the body according to Jewish customs. Following Tahara, the body is dressed in simple, white clothing and prepared for the funeral. At the funeral, mourners gather to honor the deceased and remember their life. The body is then buried in a Jewish cemetery, where it is placed as is, including any dental work, surgical implants, and other components that are now part of the body.
After the burial, immediate family members sit Shiva for seven days. This period of mourning commemorates and honors the deceased, emphasizing the importance of grief and reflection. This practice is rooted in Hebrew, where the number seven is symbolic, leading to the term Shiva.
The Discontinuity of Cremation in Jewish Law
Cremation is not a practice consistent with Jewish tradition. The body is meant to be treated with respect and dignity, and the continuation of the soul's journey requires the body to be buried. Cremation fundamentally alters the remains, rendering them as ashes and dirt, which, from a Jewish perspective, loses its significance for burial purposes.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
According to Jewish law, the remains of someone who has been cremated, such as ashes or bone powder without a skeleton, do not require burial. However, this is a strict interpretation and does not preclude further rituals or actions. For example, many individuals choose to honor their loved ones by scattering the ashes in a place that held significance to the deceased or keeping the ashes in a container at home.
Responsum by R. Moshe Feinstein
Nevertheless, Responsa Iggerot Moshe Yoreh Deah 4 section 56 offers a nuanced perspective. Written by R. Moshe Feinstein, a prominent authority on Jewish law, this responsum discusses the permissibility and advisability of burying the ashes. R. Feinstein acknowledges that while cremation is not inherently prohibited, under particular circumstances, such as out of respect for the deceased, burying the ashes may be considered a commendable act. This can be especially relevant in communities where cremation is a cultural or medical necessity.
Community Responses and Policies
Some orthodox cemeteries, such as those controlled by Orthodox authorities, have specific policies regarding the acceptance of ashes. For instance, a cemetery might refuse to bury the ashes of those who have tattoos or were cremated. These policies are designed to maintain the sanctity and integrity of the burial ground. However, individual rabbis and communities can interpret and apply these guidelines flexibly, allowing for personal circumstances and preferences.
Conclusion
Strictly speaking, according to Jewish law, the remains of someone cremated do not need to be buried. However, the decision to honor a loved one in a meaningful way, whether through burial or other rituals, is entirely up to the family and community. The context and circumstances surrounding the decision play a crucial role in determining the appropriateness and advisability of burying the ashes. This underscores the flexibility and depth of Jewish tradition, allowing for personal and communal interpretations while adhering to fundamental principles.