The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JEWISH CUSTOM

THE JEWS BURY THEIR DEAD BEFORE THE NEXT SUNRISE.
BUT IF THE DEATH IS ON A FRIDAY, SATURDAY BEING THE
SABBATH, THE BURIAL MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE MIDNIGHT.
THE REASON IS A VERY PRACTICAL ONE. IT TAKES TIME TO
DIG A GRAVE, AND NO TIME SHOULD BE WASTED WHEN A DEAD
BODY IS INVOLVED.
ALTHOUGH THIS TRADITION OBVIOUSLY SPRINGS FROM THE
CONDITIONS IN THE OLD COUNTRY, AND IN EARLIER TIMES,
THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL QUITE CONSCIOUS OF BURYING
THEIR DEAD VERY SOON AFTER DEATH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-00-1968