J.o.j.c.a. Reaches Agreement with Funeral Directors on Jewish Rites

Jewish funeral directors across the country have joined with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America in a major move to encourage Jewish funeral practices on a nationwide scale in conformity with religious law and tradition, it was announced here today by Moses I. Feuerstein, national president of the UOJCA.

Mr. Feuerstein told a press conference here that an accord has been reached between the Jewish Funeral Directors of America, Inc., and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations and the Rabbinical Council of America, which provides for increased cooperation between the rabbinate and the members of the association. The subject of funeral practices has been of considerable concern to the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council.

The agreement provides for the distribution of a “Jewish Funeral Guide” by the funeral directors to Jewish families who come to arrange for a funeral. The Guide stresses the “profound religious significance” of the funeral service which should express “in every respect the dignity, sanctity and modesty of a solemn religious service. ” It declares that flowers and music have no place at the Jewish funeral service and that embalming and viewing are contrary to Jewish law. The Guide also explains that Jewish religious law prescribes specific rites of preparation and burial and outlines the procedures to be followed.