Project Genesis




LifeCycle Events

Death, Burial, and Bereavement

Soul Hovering After Death

Question: I read that per Jewish custom an individual had to be deceased for at least four days before they were truly considered dead. Is this True?

Answer: I think that you are referencing a Jewish belief that the soul does not depart from the deceased body for three days after death. During that time it hovers in the vicinity of the deceased and is aware of what is happening. Death itself happens when the body ceases breathing.

Question: Where does that belief come from? Is it a tradition? Or is it something G-d said? I have never read or heard of this until recently. Thank you for your time and attention.

Answer: It is a belief based on mystical interpretations of the Torah.

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