In Jewish tradition, it is customary to bury the deceased as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. This practice is rooted in several religious and cultural reasons:
-
Biblical Commandment: The Torah (Deuteronomy 21:23) instructs that a body should not be left hanging overnight and should be buried the same day. While this specific commandment refers to someone who has been executed, it has been extended to apply more broadly.
-
Respect for the Deceased: Prompt burial is seen as a sign of respect for the dead. It ensures that the body is treated with dignity and avoids any potential dishonor or desecration.
-
Avoiding Decomposition: In ancient times, without modern preservation methods, bodies would begin to decompose quickly in warm climates. Rapid burial helped prevent this natural process from causing distress or health issues.
-
Psychological Comfort: For the grieving family, quick burial can provide a sense of closure and allow them to begin the mourning process (shiva) sooner.
-
Spiritual Beliefs: Some Jewish teachings suggest that delaying burial can cause discomfort to the soul of the deceased, which remains connected to its physical form until interment.
While these are traditional guidelines, there can be exceptions due to legal requirements, logistical challenges, or other extenuating circumstances that might delay burial beyond 24 hours. However, efforts are generally made to adhere as closely as possible to this custom within practical limits.