Minister of Religious Affairs (Shas) David Azoulai sent a directive to the heads of cemeteries and chevra kadishas nationwide that they may not compel gender separation at levayas for doing so is a violation of the law. Azoulai added that women must be permitted to eulogize a deceased if they so desire.
Azoulai explains there can be separation is so requested by the family but in the event the mourners do not wish it, the chevra kadisha may not separate men and women during a levaya and may not prevent a woman from giving a hesped.
The directive explained the minister’s office recently received a number of complaints and therefore, he is reminding relevant parties of the law.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
Kol hakovod to Azouli for showing such common sense and compassion in allowing the women members of a niftar’s family to fully engage in kavod hames. It is inconceivable that time and time again we hear about truly mindless rabbonim and askanim involved in a chevrah kadishah refusing the request of the niftar’s family that wives, daughters and women friends participate in the levayah, give a hesped etc. In some extreme cases, women have not even been allowed to place a shovel full of dirt into the kever after the ceremony. I usually am not a big fan of Shaas on anything but in this case, they are so right.
True
True
Shalom is the only vehicle that will bring moshiach.
He must have hit his head REALLY REALLY hard.
you are ignorant in
jewish law …see mesehctas sukkah end and shulchen urech Jewish law is composedof everyones private opinion
this is correction to #4. Jewish law is NOT composed of every ones private opinion of what is right or wrong.