A database for comparative study
We hope that this update finds you well – healthy, and taking care of yourselves, your families, and your communities and institutions. These challenging times have certainly reminded us how critical our work is as rabbis.
Since we initially distributed funeral guidelines in late March, medical experts and public-health officials have learned much, and societal norms in combating COVID-19 have evolved.
As the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths continues to rise across all regions of the world, Ahmed Al-Dawoody, ICRC’s legal advisor on Islamic law, and Oran Finegan, head of forensics for the ICRC, explain how forensic science and Islamic burial laws can safeguard dignified handling of the mortal remains of individuals who have died from the pandemic.… Read the rest
Saying our final Good-bye to a loved-one is hard enough. Not being able to say Good-bye can be agonizing.
This time of Covid-19 has prevented one of the most important natural human yearnings from being expressed: Being with and saying good-bye to a dying loved-one. … Read the rest
Editor’s note: Rabbi Ambalu, a member of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors (UK), wrote this document to support and explain that organization’s decision in late March 2020 to forbid mourners from being present at funerals. As of June 1, revised guidelines allow up to five mourners to be physically present. … Read the rest
MODIIN, Israel (JTA) — Recounting past plagues isn’t pleasant, but Jewish history is replete with leaders whose decisions can help us address the challenges we’re facing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, rabbinic authorities throughout history have done their best to protect the public while also ensuring the burial of the deceased and preserving, as much as possible, their dignity.… Read the rest
Rav Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Isaac Elhanan Theological Seminary
… Read the restIn addition to the document “Directions for Essential Ordinances, Blessings, and other Church Functions,” this document may be used to answer questions about administering the Church during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These documents are issued in response to the disruptions in Church procedures and member activities caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.… Read the rest
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
The Resident Fatwa Committee of AMJA has received several questions concerning the issue of cremating bodies of those who have died as a result of Covid-19/Coronavirus. After deliberation and consultation, the Committee issued the following fatwa:
There is no disagreement among Muslims concerning the default ruling in this matter; in Islam, the cremation of corpses is considered mutilation and is thus prohibited.… Read the rest
Written by: Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah
