What are the burial rites in the Jewish religion?

The procedure of preparing a body for burial varies from community to community. However, there are certain basic laws that are common to all Jewish communities. These are discussed in the Kitzur Shulchan Oruch (Concise Code Of Jewish Law) Chapter 197:2-5. Primarily, the idea is to cleanse the entire body with the utmost of respect, and then “purify” it by pouring 3 buckets containing 9 Kav (3.5 gallons) of lukewarm water over the body. Any foreign objects are previously removed, such as jewelry, makeup, and dentures (non-implanted). Some communities have a custom to cut the nails of the deceased, but many don’t. Any open wounds are dressed. The deceased is then dressed in tachrichin – specially prepared shrouds – and is placed in the coffin in preparation for burial.

This is obviously a very general overview. For more specific local customs I would suggest that you contact your local Chevra Kadisha / Jewish Burial Society.

Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler