- It is forbidden to delay a burial, for it is a disgrace to the deceased, and it may cause pain to the soul of the departed.
- In urgent situations, if a short postponement will be a definite honor to the deceased, i.e. to prepare shrouds, coffin, etc., or so that people can attend the funeral, it is permissible. (We do not make a late Friday afternoon burial if it may lead to the desecration of Shabbos.) It is necessary to consul with a competent Orthodox Rabbi before delaying a burial. It is wrong to delay on account of extra fees to the gravediggers on a legal holiday.
- For parents, it is proper to extend the eulogies in their honor.
- It is proper that only Jews be involved in caring for and carrying the deceased.
- If a person passes a funeral procession, he is obligated to join and escort the deceased for at least 7-8 feet.
- One is obligated to even interrupt his Torah study in order to escort the deceased.
- It is customary to recite Tehillim (Psalm) 91 during the funeral.
- 1. Some have a custom that women do not go to the cemetery.
Honoring the Deceased
