Question: Why do Jewish people bury their dead as soon as possible?

Answer: In Judaism, we have the idea of Kavod HaBriyos, (i.e. respect for the living), as well as Kavod HaMes (i.e. respect for the dead). Both of these concepts play a factor in the custom to bury a corpse as soon as possible.

With regard to respect for the dead, our tradition teaches us that an element of the soul of the deceased remains nearby to observe the proceedings following the passing. We are taught that it is very traumatic for the soul to see itself dead and exposed, a difficulty resolved through burial. In addition, we are taught that part of the atonement of death comes from the process of returning to the earth, and the quicker that happens, the better for the deceased.

There is also the Biblical source, found in Deuteronomy 21:23, which teaches us that a criminal who is put to death by the court must be interred by nightfall. If the Torah is so concerned for the feelings of a capital criminal, how much more so does this apply to our departed.

Additionally, with regard to the aspect of respect for the living, it is clear that the process of healing, of closure, cannot begin until the interment takes place. Therefore, out of the unstated need of the family and friends, we accelerate the burial process so that their healing can begin.

Finally, there is a very practical reason for burial without undue delay. According to Jewish law, from the time of passing until the time of interment, the mourners are in a state called aninus, a profound period of mourning during which all positive commandments are suspended. For example, there is no praying, no wearing of Tefilin (Phylacteries), etc. This is a fundamentally unnatural state for the Jew, hence we want to limit this period as much as possible.

May none of us share any more sorrow, and may we all be comforted among the mourners for Zion and Jerusalem.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Azriel Schreiber