Soul Talk

When death occurs, the bereaved family faces a very difficult time; but so does the deceased. According to the spiritual traditions of Judaism articulated in the Talmud and Kabbalah, the soul does not completely leave this world until after the burial. Thus, the period from death to interment is very bewildering for the soul, for it is in a vulnerable state of transition, disconnected from both the past and the future. The presence of others who, through their respect and prayers, show that they care, is very comforting to the soul, as the souls of the living provide a frame of reference for the soul of the newly departed.

Indeed, the fact that Jewish tradition treats the soul of the deceased as aware and as a real person, is in itself a comfort and help in this most difficult time for those who are close to him or her. To do things in a way comforting to the deceased is therefore comforting to those who care for him or her.

This is also the time when several important decisions will need to be made by the next-of-kin regarding the funeral arrangements. Unfortunately, in most countries, many of the common morticianary practices (such as autopsy, embalming, displaying the body, cremation) violate the Jewish traditions of respect for the dignity of the body. Ideally, one should forewarn this in advance by composing a "living will" that addresses these issues.