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Burial Beside Which Husband?

Question

If a woman becomes a widow, remarries, and then dies many years later, is she buried next to the first husband, or second husband (i.e. the current husband)? Does it matter if the second husband is still alive?

Answer

Thank you for your question. Jewish law maintains that we leave this decision up to the preferences of the individual (i.e. if the widow had expressed any preference as to where she would be buried, we bury her there). However, we strongly encourage her to be buried next to the first husband if she had children from him and not from the second husband.  However, if she had children from both, there is no reason to encourage her either way. Ultimately though, as stated prior, we do whatever she, or the deciding party, prefers.

Take care,

Rabbi Aaron Tendler

Answered in cooperation with STAR-K Kosher Certification, Baltimore, MD