What is the rationale that validates the requirement to bury a person within 24 hours of death?
The Jewish concept of burial is that a person was created from the dust and we return to the dust. Our souls are attached to our physical bodies in this world, but in the next world, there is no need for our physical bodies. Therefore, we would like to be able to release our souls from our bodies as fast as possible after our bodies no longer serve their purpose. As long as the body is not in the earth that cannot happen. The faster we can put the body in its proper final burial place the sooner the soul can be on its way. Until then our Rabbis teach us that the soul is in a sort of spiritual limbo.
It is of the most vital importance in Jewish law that a body be buried as soon as possible with a ritual washing and preparation. The coffin must be of natural materials, i.e. wood, and the person should be buried in a plain, white garment. Each of these customs has its origins in Jewish law, but burying the body quickly is a major concern in Jewish practice because of the pain that it causes the soul to be waiting.
Be Well,
Rabbi Gershon Litt