Many of the Jewish burial customs that were usual around the time of Christ are still very much in evidence today. When we compare end of life procedures in biblical times to current norms—no matter how contemporary they might be—it’s interesting to see that not a huge amount has changed. 

To contrast the difference between then and now, let’s first look at the typical actions and ceremonies that were followed thousands of years ago.

Comparing Jewish Burial Customs in Bible Times to Today

• How the Jewish community paid their respects to the dead in Bible times
• End of life customs today: contemporary tradition

How the Jewish community paid their respects to the dead in Bible times

Jewish burial customs in bible times were taken very seriously. The ceremonies surrounding the passing of a loved one were considered the last act of love for the person, thus leading to a defined course of action.

One of the most important underlying features is that no Jewish person’s body was to be left unburied. This applied equally, even to those who had committed serious crimes or were considered enemies. Many of the traditions were set out within the scriptures. Therefore, customs surrounding end of life during bible times were strictly adhered to and, as much as was feasibly possible, went something like this:

• Immediately following the death, the person’s eyes were closed and they were kissed to show love.
• The body would be washed and anointed with perfumes.
• The deceased would then be wrapped in a shroud. The hands and feet would be tied together with strips of cloth and the face covered.
• Friends and relatives could then come to see the wrapped body to pay their final respects.

It must be remembered that during bible times, there was no such thing as electricity or cooled rooms. With a typically hot climate, it was necessary for all the above steps to be performed quickly—usually within about eight hours of the death.

• Family and friends would then carry the body to the grave. They would take turns—there was no such thing as professional carriers.
• Women would be at the head of the burial parade. It was usual for this to be a noisy ritual, led by a flute player and accompanied by a lot of wailing. In some cases, the services of professional mourners were employed.
• At this time, it was typical for burial tombs to be cut into cliff faces. This led to crypts that often housed the bodies of multiple family members.
• However, those who couldn’t afford this, didn't have any of their own land, or were foreigners, would be buried in designated cemeteries.
• Following the burial there would be a ritual that included drinking wine and eating bread.
• The closest relatives would then undertake a mourning period of 30 days.
• A year later, the family would return to the tomb and collect the bones. These would be placed in a box that bore markings that identified the deceased. This would then be placed in the area of the tomb with other boxes containing the bones of other family members.

Another interesting fact is that coming into proximity of a dead body was considered unclean. While it was considered an act of love and charity for family and friends to do so, the grave areas were always whitewashed to warn strangers to keep clear.

End of life customs today: contemporary tradition

Today’s customs still retain many of the old traditions. The cleansing of the body and the short time between death and burial remain, as does the period of mourning.

However, modern life has, quite naturally, had a bearing on Jewish funeral customs. Probably the greatest of these is the (very) gradual acceptance of cremation as an end of life option. While this isn’t true of all denominations, the Reform branch, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in cremation as an option.

Explore Respectful Contemporary Jewish Burial Customs at the Jewish Cremation Society

Today, Jewish end of life ceremonies can easily be tailored according to the wishes of the deceased and the family without disrespecting tradition. Cremation is now acceptable in some denominations—even allowing for ashes to be interred in some graveyards. 

At the Jewish Cremation Society, our committed team offers impartial advice about Jewish burial options. Whether you simply want to discover options—perhaps future planning for yourself or on behalf of a loved one—or a close friend or relative has expressed a wish for a service that you’re not familiar with, we offer a safe place to ask questions and get unbiased information.