Question: Is it permissible to conduct a funeral with a casket in an Orthodox synagogue?

Answer: You would have to ask your local, Orthodox Rabbi about this question, because without his approval it would certainly not be possible. In general, only in very rare circumstances, for very great Rabbis, are funeral services conducted in synagogues (and it is highly unusual, even then). There are many reasons for this, but one practical reason is that it makes life impossible for kohanim if there are funerals in Synagogues.

As the Rabbi of an Orthodox Synagogue, I would not allow a service to take place within the synagogue proper. However, we have conducted services outside the synagogue building (within the grounds) when a body was being taken to Israel for burial.

Hope this helps!

Yours,

Rabbi David Sedley