Letter to Baruch Gelernter about the Halachic Permissibility of Reinterment (1968)

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The Question of Death (1975)

(Gave at shiur to Hebra Kadisha Saturday night, Oct. 4, 1975) See Y. D. #338. The Sh. A. gives no indication as to the origin of this ודוי שכיב מרע. Apparently, its earliest source is in Joshua, the story of Akhan, where Joshua tells him ותן תודה, i.e., confess, and Akhan replies, כזאת וכזאת עשיתי etc. From there we go to the Mishnah that all those executed by Beit Din are required to confess. However, I believe there are fundamental differences between ודוי שכיב מראמ and the confession of executed criminals

Practical Halacha Death & Mourning

Letter to Mrs. Roth about Replacing Grave Headstone (1974)

Dear Mrs. Roth: This is in response to your question as to whether it is permissible to remove a monument and to replace it with a double-head stone of superior quality. It is permissible to make this exchange. However, I would prefer that the old monument not be re-used, certainly not for profit. Sources: Tur, Y.D., No. 364; and commentaries ad loc., especially Arukh Ha-Shulhan. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Practical Halacha Death & Mourning

Letter about the Halachic Permissibility of Reinterment (1969)

I have considered the problem you presented to me concerning the disinterment and reinterment of one of your parents. The question is rather complicated and required careful attention, and the following are my conclusions: essentially, they are not too far from each other at present, and therefore the greatest preference is for them to remain where they are without any moving. If, however, you feel very strongly about it, as I gather you do, Jewish law will, in this instance, permit a reinterment. Here again, there are questions of preference and certain conditions which must be observed. The strongest priority should go to the reinterment of your mother to a grave near your father. If this is to be done, and I repeat that it is far preferable to the other alternative, please bear the following in mind: (1) it should be done after the first anniversary of death according to the Hebrew calendar; (2) since a monument should be erected before the first anniversary, please arrange with Mr. Lipstadt to put a temporary marker on the present site and arrange for a permanent monument to be erected upon the reinterment. I repeat that if there is to be any disinterment, this is the procedure I prefer. However, if it should be decided to disinter your father, then please consult with Mr. Lipstadt about the possibility of moving the stone which now stands to the new site. You may consult me about it further. In either case, try to arrange for the reinterment to take place in the early part of the day. That entire day should be observed by the two of you as if you were in your shiva period – that is, no shaving or washing, sitting indoors on a low bench, and without leather shoes. It is also preferable that that day be observed as a fast day. In addition, the ritual of rending the garment is also observed on that day. I most strongly urge that you arrange for Mr. Lipstadt to be present and supervise the entire procedure so that it be carried out in accordance with Jewish law an…

Death & Mourning