The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors recognizes the validity of Jewish religious law governing the burial of the Jewish dead and in general “does not consider the handling of a dead human body according to the ritual of any creed or faith as a violation of the laws of the State of New Jersey.” This sentiment is embodied in a communication, sent by the Board through its secretary, Bert A. Waters. of this city to Alexander Harris, a lawyer representing a group of Jews of Atlantic City.
On January 3 last, the Atlantic City group headed by Rabbi M. Shapiro and Mr. Harris appeared before the Board and argued that according to a strict interpretation of the new sanitary regulations governing burial of the dead now in effect in this state, the “Chevra Kadisha” or burial societies could not supervise the last rites specified by Jewish law, known as the “Tahara”; only the undertaker or his assistants having the exclusive power. Rabbi Shapiro asked for an interpretation which would permit the demands of Jewish law to be complied with.
The letter sent by the secretary of the board now clarifies the situation. Mr. Waters’ letter follows: “As per our agreement of January 3, 1929, to render to yon an opinion of this board regarding the subject that you brought up before the commission at our meeting, this Board does not consider the handling of a dead human body according to the ritual of any creed or faith as a violation of the laws of the State of New Jersey.
“We do not consider especially in your case, the washing and dressing of a dead human body by experienced men performing the religious duties that you require, a violation. We only ask that any dead human body that you may have authority over, leaving the State of New Jersey, be arterially embalmed in the cavities, washed with a strong disinfectant and that every human body must be disposed of by a licensee of the State of New Jersey. This work can be done either previous to your religious ceremonies or after, as you may deem fit to meet the necessary requirements.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
