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Form Orthodox Ass’n to Oppose Modernization of Jewish Burial Rites

December 7, 1928
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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Move Taken Against Proposed State Legislation (Jewish Daily Bulletin)

To combat proposed state legislation requiring all persons engaged in undertaking to pass examinations and be licensed, the Protective Orthodox Jewish Burial Association was formed here.

Orthodox Jews who now perform the simple burial rites demanded by the faith could not pass such examinations, it was explained. They regard their work as a privilege rather than as a profession. The body is not embalmed and it always is laid in a plain pine box. Ostentatious shrouds are abhorred.

Hitherto undertakers have conducted orthodox Jewish funerals under the direction of those placed in charge by the tenets of the faith. Under the proposed law, the orthodox would be subservient to the professional undertakers. It was pointed out that for this reason the new law would increase the costs of funerals for orthodox Jews tremendously.

The association will seek either to defeat the proposed bill or to have it modified.

Nathan Vigran, former State Legislator, was elected president of the organization. Joseph Greenberg was chosen secretary, and Abraham Feld, treasurer.

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