{"id":21068,"date":"2025-03-21T17:54:02","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T16:54:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com\/?p=21068"},"modified":"2025-11-10T08:33:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T07:33:10","slug":"tora-based-practices-for-noahides-burial-cremation-morning-and-bereavement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com\/it\/tora-based-practices-for-noahides-burial-cremation-morning-and-bereavement\/","title":{"rendered":"PRATICHE BASATE SULLA TORA PER I NOACHITI: SEPOLTURA, CREMAZIONE, MATTINA E LUTTO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u05d1\u05e1”\u05d3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many Noahides wonder what they could<\/em> do when faced with grief and loss. While there are no obligatory mourning rituals for Noahides, below are some suggestions that may offer comfort and structure during such times. However, it is crucial to understand that these are voluntary practices. Performing them out of a sense of obligation or as fixed religious customs could lead to the creation of a new religion, which is explicitly forbidden for Noahides (Rambam, Mishneh Torah<\/em>, Hilchot Melachim 10:9<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the Seven Noahide Laws do not explicitly address this topic, Rabbi Nissim Gaon points out that not all of the laws and their derivatives require revelation.1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Noahides do not have specific religious duties concerning their deceased, their actions are influenced by the values and teachings of the Torah. Therefore, if a Noahide seeks to live according to the lessons Judaism provides for non-Jews, they must look to the Torah for guidance on how to approach death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great deal has been written about Jewish laws and customs regarding death, including parts of tractates of  the Talmud. However there is little information found in Jewish literature about how non-Jews should handle death and mourning, as rabbis in the past wrote little about laws specifically applying to non-Jews, and this knowledge was not widely disseminated or applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, we do find valuable sources, particularly in the speeches of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in the 1980s and ’90s, where he spoke extensively about the Seven Noahide Laws and their implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to say by bad news<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we hear that someone has died we can say the following bracha::<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05da\u05b0 \u05d0\u05b7\u05ea\u05b8\u05bc\u05d4 \u05d4’ \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05e7\u05d9\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc \u05de\u05b6\u05dc\u05b6\u05da\u05b0 \u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b8\u05dd, \u05d3\u05b7\u05bc\u05d9\u05b7\u05bc\u05df \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b1\u05de\u05b6\u05ea<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baruch atah A-donai Elokeinu melech ha’olam, dayan ha’emet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, the true judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You often see BDE under a mourning notice, which stands for Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Noahides can also say this, but the surroundings may not always immediately understand what you mean, so it’s better to say it in your own language. If you want to use a similar text for the service, you can use the following verses from the Tenach, such as Deuteronomy 32:4 and Job 1:21, to emphasize the righteousness of HaShem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rock \u2013 His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice; a G-d of faithfulness and without iniquity, He is righteous and upright! (Deuteronomy 32:4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G-d gave, and G-d took away; blessed be the Name of G-d! (from Job 1:21)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burial or Cremation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before a person dies, it is important for them to consider whether they want to be buried or cremated. If he has not done so, the next of kin must make this choice. What should our preference be from Jewish tradition and Tanakh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Talmud and Jewish law, it is permitted and even praiseworthy to bury non-Jews (by Jews), though it is not an obligation. This principle reflects the Jewish belief that all people, regardless of their religion or background, must be treated with respect, both in life and after death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genesis 1:26-27<\/a> emphasizes that man is created in G-d\u2019s image, implying that humans must be treated with respect even after death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


 And G-d said, \u201cLet us make humankind in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all the creeping things that creep on earth.\u201d<\/td>		\u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05b9\u05bc\u05a3\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd \u05e0\u05b7\u05bd\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05c2\u05a5\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u059b\u05dd \u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05e6\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b5\u0596\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc \u05db\u05b4\u05bc\u05d3\u05b0\u05de\u05d5\u05bc\u05ea\u05b5\u0591\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc\u05a9 \u05d1\u05b4\u05d3\u05b0\u05d2\u05b7\u05a8\u05ea \u05d4\u05b7\u05d9\u05b8\u05bc\u059c\u05dd \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b0\u05e2\u05a3\u05d5\u05b9\u05e3 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e9\u05b8\u05bc\u05c1\u05de\u05b7\u0597\u05d9\u05b4\u05dd \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b7\u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05d4\u05b5\u05de\u05b8\u05d4\u0599 \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b0\u05db\u05b8\u05dc\u05be\u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u0594\u05e8\u05b6\u05e5 \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b0\u05db\u05b8\u05dc\u05be\u05d4\u05b8\u05e8\u05b6\u0596\u05de\u05b6\u05e9\u05c2 \u05d4\u05b8\u05bd\u05e8\u05b9\u05de\u05b5\u05a5\u05e9\u05c2 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc\u05be\u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u05bd\u05e8\u05b6\u05e5<\/td><\/tr>

 <\/u><\/strong>And G-d created humankind in the divine image,
 creating it in the image of G-d\u2014
 creating them male and female.<\/td>		\u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05bc\u05d1\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05a8\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd | \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea\u05be\u05d4\u05b8\u05bd\u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05dd\u0599 \u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05e6\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u0594\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05e6\u05b6\u05a5\u05dc\u05b6\u05dd \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05b8\u05a3\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u0591\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d6\u05b8\u05db\u05b8\u05a5\u05e8 \u05d5\u05bc\u05e0\u05b0\u05e7\u05b5\u05d1\u05b8\u0596\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05b8\u05a5\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u05bd\u05dd<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rashi explains that G-d created humans with His hands, indicating special care for human beings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This special attention is also evident in Psalm 139:13-14<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

 <\/u><\/strong>It was You who created my conscience;
 You fashioned me in my mother\u2019s womb.<\/td>		\u05db\u05b4\u05bc\u05bd\u05d9\u05be\u05d0\u05b7\u0596\u05ea\u05b8\u05bc\u05d4 \u05e7\u05b8\u05e0\u05b4\u05a3\u05d9\u05ea\u05b8 \u05db\u05b4\u05dc\u05b0\u05d9\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u0591\u05d9 \u05ea\u05b0\u05bc\u059c\u05e1\u05bb\u05db\u05b5\u05bc\u0597\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05d1\u05b6\u05a3\u05d8\u05b6\u05df \u05d0\u05b4\u05de\u05b4\u05bc\u05bd\u05d9<\/td><\/tr>
I praise You,
 for I am awesomely, wondrously made;
 Your work is wonderful;
 I know it very well.<\/td>		\u05d0\u05bd\u05d5\u05b9\u05d3\u05b0\u05da\u05b8\u0597 \u05e2\u05b7\u059a\u05dc \u05db\u05b4\u05bc\u05a5\u05d9 \u05e0\u05bd\u05d5\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u0597\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05e0\u05b4\u05ab\u05e4\u05b0\u05dc\u05b5\u05a5\u05d9\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05e0\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05dc\u05b8\u05d0\u05b4\u05a5\u05d9\u05dd \u05de\u05b7\u05bd\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05c2\u0591\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d5\u05b0\u059c\u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05b4\u05c1\u0597\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b9\u05d3\u05b7\u05a5\u05e2\u05b7\u05ea \u05de\u05b0\u05d0\u05b9\u05bd\u05d3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If G-d takes such care in creating man, it is logical to treat the body respectfully even after death. The Torah and Judaism show that burial is preferred over cremation, aligning with the natural cycle of returning to dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first mention of a burial in the Bible is in Genesis 23<\/a>, where Abraham purchases land to bury his wife, Sarah. This act can be seen as significant, especially considering that, according to the Midrash, Abraham successfully drew many people from across the Middle East to accept the One G-d and observe the Seven Commandments.2<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0 Even before leaving Haran to journey to the Land of Canaan, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, had already gained many followers who accompanied them. In Canaan, through his boundless kindness and outreach, Abraham continued to bring even more people to this faith.3<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following burial practices like those of Abraham is not merely a matter of ritual but an extension of the values he promoted\u2014respect, responsibility, and the honoring of both the deceased and the community. Given the profound influence Abraham had in spreading the Seven Commandments and his example of moral conduct, it makes sense that continuing his practices, such as those surrounding burial, is wise and aligned with the values he espoused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also  logically derived from Genesis 3:19<\/a> that man must return to dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.’<\/td>\u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05d6\u05b5\u05e2\u05b7\u05a4\u05ea \u05d0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b6\u05bc\u05a8\u05d9\u05da\u05b8\u0599 \u05ea\u05b9\u05bc\u05a3\u05d0\u05db\u05b7\u05dc \u05dc\u05b6\u0594\u05d7\u05b6\u05dd \u05e2\u05b7\u05a4\u05d3 \u05e9\u05bd\u05c1\u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b0\u05da\u05b8\u0599 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc\u05be\u05d4\u05b8\u05a3\u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b8\u05de\u05b8\u0594\u05d4 \u05db\u05b4\u05bc\u05a5\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05de\u05b6\u05bc\u0596\u05e0\u05b8\u05bc\u05d4 \u05dc\u05bb\u05e7\u05b8\u05bc\u0591\u05d7\u05b0\u05ea\u05b8\u05bc \u05db\u05b4\u05bc\u05bd\u05d9\u05be\u05e2\u05b8\u05e4\u05b8\u05a3\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b7\u0594\u05ea\u05b8\u05bc\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05dc\u05be\u05e2\u05b8\u05e4\u05b8\u0596\u05e8 \u05ea\u05b8\u05bc\u05e9\u05bd\u05c1\u05d5\u05bc\u05d1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rabbi Moshe Weiner<\/a> of Jerusalem explains that this verse applies not only to Jews but also to non-Jews who pass away. According to this explanation, burial is seen as a moral obligation based on the belief that, upon death, humans return to the earth. This is not a commandment but an ethical principle <\/strong>that also applies to non-Jews.4<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cremation is permitted for non-Jews, though it is not recommended. Burial is considered a more honorable and respectful act for a deceased person. If a non-Jew chooses to cremate a loved one, it is not considered a sin, though it is advised against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Jews, however, cremation is strictly forbidden. This is a matter of respect for the body and belief in the resurrection of the dead. Cremation would disrupt the natural transition of the soul, which is expected after death within Jewish tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Jewish tradition, death is seen as the moment when the body and soul separate. The body is temporary, but respecting the body through burial is viewed as a way to allow the soul a gradual transition. Cremation is considered harmful to the soul because it causes an abrupt and unnatural separation from the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Talmud says: “Burial is not for the living, but for the dead”<\/em> (Sanhedrin 47a<\/a>)5<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0 This highlights the importance of a respectful burial so that the soul can undergo a natural transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fundamental reason for the prohibition of cremation in Judaism is the belief in the Resurrection of the Dead. According to Jewish tradition, those who have been properly buried will one day be resurrected. Cremation, however, destroys the body completely and is seen as preventing this process. The traditional interpretation given by the sages is that the body must remain intact for the resurrection to occur. While G-d is capable of anything, this principle underscores the importance of preserving the body, making cremation incompatible with the Jewish understanding of resurrection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question of whether non-Jews will partake in the resurrection is complex. Some interpretations of the Midrash suggest that it applies only to Jews, but commentaries clarify that this exclusion refers specifically to idolaters. The righteous among the nations (Chassidei Umot HaOlam<\/em>) will indeed have a share in the resurrection. Therefore, if a non-Jew believes in this principle and wishes to be included, they should ensure that their body is buried rather than cremated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite differing opinions on delaying a burial, a swift interment is generally preferred out of respect for the deceased, aiming to avoid prolonged exposure.6<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Talmud tells us that it is forbidden to gaze at the face of a dead person. On a basic level, this is so that we do not lose respect for the deceased, thats the reason Jewish that the casket may nog be opened to view the deceased.7<\/a><\/sup>8<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cemetery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The general rule is that Noahides cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery, although some Jewish cemeteries may have separate sections for non-Jews. For Example At Har Hamenuchot (the Givat Shaul Cemetery) in Jerusalem, there are special sections for non-Jews. Many Noahides may not prefer Christian cemeteries either. If given the choice, they might opt for a general cemetery. One drawback of Western society cemeteries is that they do not have “eternal” grave rights. In the Netherlands, for instance, grave rights are usually granted for a specific period, often 20, 30, or 40 years. After this period, family members can choose to renew their grave rights, have the grave cleared, or make another decision based on the cemetery’s policy. The remains may be reburied elsewhere in the same cemetery, sometimes in a communal grave or a designated reburial area. However, there is often ambiguity about this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, there is also the option, at least in the Netherlands, to be buried in a natural burial ground. In contrast to conventional cemeteries, where concessions can be terminated, and graves are cleared over time, natural burial grounds commonly offer concessions for an indefinite period. This ensures that the resting place is not disturbed by future clearances. Since there are no dedicated burial grounds for Noahides at present, this could be considered a viable alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bracha – entering the cemetery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05da\u05b0 \u05d0\u05b7\u05ea\u05b8\u05bc\u05d4 \u05d3’ \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05e7\u05d9\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc \u05de\u05b6\u05dc\u05b6\u05da\u05b0 \u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b8\u05dd, \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05e8 \u05e0\u05b8\u05ea\u05b7\u05df \u05dc\u05b0\u05d7\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05bc\u05d9\u05dd \u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05d9\u05b8\u05d3\u05b6\u05da\u05b8, \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b7\u05d4\u05b2\u05e6\u05b4\u05d9\u05d0\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05c1\u05de\u05d5\u05b9\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05b8\u05bc\u05c1\u05dd<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has given life into Your hands and preserves their souls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Bracha – leaving the cemetery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>\u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05da\u05b0 \u05d0\u05b7\u05ea\u05b8\u05bc\u05d4 \u05d3’ \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05e7\u05d9\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc \u05de\u05b6\u05dc\u05b6\u05da\u05b0 \u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b8\u05dd, \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05e8 \u05e0\u05b8\u05ea\u05b7\u05df \u05dc\u05b8\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc \u05d7\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05bc\u05d9\u05dd \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05da\u05b0 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05e8 \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05da\u05b0 \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05b6\u05bc\u05d4 \u05de\u05b5\u05d0\u05b5\u05d9\u05df \u05d7\u05b7\u05d9\u05b5\u05bc\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05b4\u05bc\u05d6\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05e2\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life and the opportunity to return to our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funeral Service for Noahides<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are no specific prescribed rituals for the funeral service of Noahides, as there is considerable cultural diversity among them. However, this provides the family with the freedom to organize the service according to their discretion. It is recommended that the deceased has expressed their wishes in advance, so the bereaved family can honor them respectfully and in accordance with those wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalms and Prayers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The following prayers and psalms may be recited during the funeral service:<\/p>\n\n\n\n