There are two basic principles by which Jewish death and mourning rites are governed: k’vod ha-met, “the dignified or respectful treatment of the dead,” and k’vod he-chai, “the honored treatment of the living (the surviving relatives).”
In light of the current health situation and the desire to honor the deceased and to comfort their surviving relatives, the Michigan Board of Rabbis is updating its funeral procedures as follows:
Rabbis will officiate at graveside-only funerals with up to 36 mourners present.… Read the rest