On Wednesday, August 15, 2007 I was asked the following question:

Organ donation is an interesting subject. My understanding is since Hashem created us, He will recognize us when it is time to be lifted to Heaven."

How is cremation viewed?

This was my response:

Cremation is unacceptable in Orthodox Judaism and, for the most part, in Conservative as well. That doesn't prevent people from cremating and being comfortable in doing so.

My personal objection, Halacha aside, is that too many of our people were burned to ashes by Hitler for us to even entertain doing that to our loved ones.

Rabbi Dan

If you have questions about a personal matter, or jewish practices and customs, you can submit them to me by e-mail. I answer all queries directly, or through this column, when the question is informative to our community.

Thank you for your kind attention and this opportunity to share with you,
Rabbi Dan S. Wiko
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