Death, Burial, and Bereavement
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Women Attending a Funeral
My father died last month. My daughter is pregnant with her first child and I would not allow her to attend the funeral. It was my understanding that Jewish lore forbade pregnant women in the cemetery. I am now being…
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How Soon Can a Widower Remarry?
Is there a commandment that a widower wait a specific length of time before dating and/or remarrying after the death of a spouse? Is it traditional or a commandment that we wait a year? Answer: There is a Rabbinic requirement…
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Burial Beside Which Husband?
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…
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Animals, Spirit, and Reincarnation
I recently had to put my service dog to sleep. What is Judaism’s position on the souls of our animals and how we dispose of their bodies after death? Answer: The Kabbalah recognizes two separate issues which shed light on…
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Organ Transplantation
Is organ transplantation permissible for the prolongation of human life? Answer: Organ transplantation is an important, yet complicated, part of Torah law. There are many details and nuances, and each specific case must be dealt with accordingly. In concept, though,…
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Burial As Soon As Possible – Part II
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…
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Funeral on Purim
Can you do a funeral on Purim? Answer: According to the Talmud in tractate megilla, not only must one perform a funeral on Purim, but it even takes precedence over reading the Megillas Esther (or hearing it). However, eulogies are…
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Gift for a Mourner
I’ve heard that people bring food to the house of one sitting shivah. What food or other gift is appropriate to bring or to send? Strictly speaking, we are not allowed to give gifts to mourners because this is something…
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Donating My Body to Science
I would like to donate my body to science. In order to do this, the scientific organization sends consent forms for me to sign. At the time of my death, they take whatever they need, cremate the remains, and send…