Chapter 4: Minhagei Taharah Customs for Preparing the Deceased Close the eyes and tie the jaw if open. Wash the body, seal orifices, anoint with fragrances, trim hair, and dress in simple white linen shrouds. Shrouds should be inexpensive; Sages used a cloak worth a zuz to avoid embarrassing the
Chapter 4: Minhagei Taharah
Customs for Preparing the Deceased
Close the eyes and tie the jaw if open.
Wash the body, seal orifices, anoint with fragrances, trim hair, and dress in simple white linen shrouds.
Shrouds should be inexpensive; Sages used a cloak worth a zuz to avoid embarrassing the poor.
Cover the face to preserve dignity.
Prohibition of Luxurious Burial
Forbidden to bury even a nasi in silk or gold-embroidered garments.
This avoids arrogance, waste of property, and imitation of gentile customs.
The body is carried on shoulders to the cemetery.
Pallbearers’ Restrictions
Pallbearers may not wear sandals during the funeral.
Reason: If a strap breaks, it could delay the mitzvah of burial.
Burial Method and Grave Marking
Burial in earth caves or wooden coffins, face upward, then covered with earth and stones.
Graves are marked; tombstones placed—except for the righteous, whose words serve as memorials.
Those accompanying the corpse say: “Go in peace” (Genesis 15:15).
Status of a Person in Death Throes
Considered fully alive; no interventions (closing eyes, washing, cooling, etc.) until death occurs.
Touching or hastening death is like shedding blood—compared to extinguishing a flickering candle.
No mourning rituals until death is certain.
Conduct of the Mourner Before Burial
Eats in another house or behind a partition; avoids reclining, meat, wine, and blessings.
Exempt from mitzvot (Shema, prayer, tefillin) until burial.
On Shabbat: Normal eating and blessings resume, except marital relations.
After burial: May eat meat and drink a little wine, but not excessively.
Hastening Burial
Burial should not be delayed; hastening is praiseworthy.
For parents, delaying slightly is respectful—except before Shabbat/festivals or in harsh weather.
Permissible Delay and Negative Commandment
Delaying overnight violates a negative commandment unless for the deceased’s honor (e.g., preparing needs).
On Friday or before a festival, or in rain, it is permitted to hurry even a parent’s funeral.
First Day of Mourning
No tefillin, no eating own food, sits on overturned bed.
Later days: May eat own food, sit on mats, and wear tefillin.
Source: Ezekiel 24:17—mourner restrictions inferred from prophetic instructions.