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13. Placing the body into the casket: [1]
The body is to be placed into the casket in a gentle and respectful manner.[2] The body is placed into the coffin on his back, facing up, like a person who is sleeping.[3] The hands are to be straightened and placed by his sides, with the right hand by his right side and left hand by his left side.[4] One is to be careful in the above mentioned matters [see Halacha 8E] that the mouth and eyes are closed, and his hands are open.[5] Prior to closing the casket, the Chevra Kadisha requests forgiveness from the deceased.[6] Once the casket is closed, it is no longer to initially be opened.[7]
Eretz Yisrael:[8] In Eretz Yisrael, where the custom is to bury without a casket, the body is placed on a makeshift bed/cot, following all the details mentioned above.
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[1] See Nitei Gavriel 49
[2] Mavor Yabok Sifsei Tzedek 7; Nitei Gavriel 49:1
[3] See Michaber 362:2; See Bava Basra 74a; Nitei Gavriel 49:2
The reason: It is considered a belittlement for the deceased to be buried in any other position, such as standing or sitting. [Shach 362:2]
[4] Chochmas Adam Matzeivas Moshe 9; Gesher Hachaim p. 138; Nitei Gavriel 49:2; 76:17
[5] Kitzur SHU”A 197:5; Nitei Gavriel 49:2
[6] Nitei Gavriel 49:3
[7] Nitei Gavriel 49:4
[8] See Chapter 5 Halacha 6A; Nitei Gavriel 49:5