Cremation Exploding in Jewish Communities

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We’re looking at numbers as high as 50%. Stephen Savitsky speaks with Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, President of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha.

 

Unfortunately, cremation seems to be The Newest Trend in Jewish Life. Savitsky speaks again on the troubling subject. 

To hear more from Rabbi Zohn, stay tuned for the fall issue of Jewish Action. visit his website www.nasck.org or call him at 718-847-6280 or 888-CHEVRA-1 (243-8721). 

 

Savitsky Talks is a weekly 20 minute audio program with interviews and discussions that probe and explore contemporary Jewish life. Steve Savitsky’s unusually direct and objective approach make this program a refreshing take on the Jewish community’s often challenging role in the world.

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COMMENTS
  • Ruth

    the chief reason for most people, jewish or not, to turn to creamation is the money issue. These are hard times for most folks. We know we have to care for our deceased in the best way we possibly can, and for many this is the best way. For those who need to do this, it not a question of symbolism, or degredation of the deceased, no bad intent of any kind. G-d knows what they are trying to do. If anyone understands the money issue, G-d does.

  • Frank

    I convinced my mother not to cremate my father (which was his wish), by arguing that Jews don’t burn Jews, Nazis burn Jews. Harsh, and logically not compelling, but it worked. My parents were completely secular and I had “turned” Orthodox. It wasn’t pleasant dealing with the issue, but it worked out.

  • Jay Shoulson

    People are really not saving much. The Funeral Home charges the same for a funeral burial as a funeral cremation. The savings is only the difference between the cemetery charges and the crematory charges.

  • http://www.facebook.com/us.funerals US Funerals

    Ruth is right the main reason more people, whether Jewish or not, are turning to cremation is cost. There can be quite a huge saving when cremation is chosen, no casket is required, no vault, grave liner, cemetery plot, opening & closing of a grave. So all-in-all, it can work out thousands of dollars cheaper. DFS Memorials [www.dfsmemorials.com] offer basic cremations for between $495 and $1,395, so a funeral not need be expensive.