Show Me Your Casket - Details on Jewish Burial Procedures

Jewish tradition says everyone is equal at the end. Martyna Starosta takes a fascinating look inside a casket factory that makes simple pine boxes and more elaborate coffins — and asks what they tell us about our changing attitudes to life and death in America.

[burntorangeak]

I am a second generation Native American traditional casket builder from Alaska.
Thank you for this film.

[rty]

When my best friend passed away, his brother could not function as the loss was too great for him. I was raised Catholic and my best friend was raised Jewish. He was also an extremely talented musician. I respect all Jewish customs and went to the funeral parlor to make arrangements. I had to pick out the casket and such. I was lead to the room where caskets were displayed. I KNOW my friend was a very simple person, so I picked the most simple casket. Then I changed my mind after seeing a plain wooden casket that was painted black. Still simple, but with a touch of flair that he had.
On the day of service my best friends family saw what I picked out, and they said it was a perfect choice. We opened the casket and placed his drum sticks (which he plaued so well) and a few other things he loved (Pez candy and a goo-goo cluster) he had over 250 people in attendance and one if the worst things I ever had to do in my life was give a eulogy. About 3/4 of the way through it, I began to break down, but I got through it and stepped down from the podium to a huge round of applause. My friend was the warmest, most generous person you could ever meet. He made freinds where ever he was. His house was like a hotel for everyone. He had two backyard parties every year (memorial and labor day) since there were going to be live bands at these parties (because he loved to play), Since he knew it was going to be noisy, he sent letters to every resident within a 2 block radius to invite them over. On the day of the parties he went door to door to remind them to join. There were 6 grills going at these parties all the time. People brought food, snacks, drinks etc. And even if you didnt bring anything, people would share anything they had with you. Family's with young kids, couples, singles all came. At 11pm he stopped playing music and it was all quiet. My friend didn't have much, but whatever he had, he shared. He lead a simple life full of friends. So the casket I picked out, had to respect his heritage, and get give him a little something extra (the black paint). I go to his grave site very often and always leave some Pez at his foot stone. His brother and I are the best of freinds now.

[carolyndee]

Everyone is equal in death. I like that. This is an I insightful video. Thank you

[rwolfson]

I found this not only informative, but very calming and assuring. Thank you.

[JaimeMesChiens]

I learned so much from this respectful presentation.
I found it comforting.
I want to be buried in a simple pine box with no metal, just like this.
Thank you for making this video.

[suzie-wxpx]

I’m not Jewish, but this is very informative it make sense, also the caskets are beautiful, I respect that 🙌🏿

[danielhan]

I didn't search for this... But this was interesting.

[immjh]

What an informative video. Good straight forward information without a lot of hype. Thank you.

[dianebenzler]

I like the way these caskets are made. It makes a lot of sense!

[dougcain]

I build coffins for our Eastern Orthodox Churches, this video is beautiful.

[jonajeremy]

I’m Muslim and I agree with the rabbi, it’s actually almost the same way they bury their dead

[gaggymott]

I am British, living in Northern Ireland, and have a Christian background. I throughly love the 'pine box' concept, and this should be an option in all major world Faiths. I would certainly subscribe! ❤❤❤

[gloriamandaza]

IAM not a Jewish but once attended Jewish funeral and I love the teaching according to pin casket it inspired me and want to learn more in Jewish culture

[ryanbell]

I'm impressed on how you made the coffin it is beautiful

[lonemonaro]

I respect the views of Jewish people wishing to be buried in a wooden box.
What a waste of a valuable resource from a beautifully crafted wooden casket, for it to decompose at the same rate of decomposition as the cadaver.

[jennifer]

A simple pine box is how it should be done.

[johndoe-vmdh]

Great vid. Glad to hear people say we are all equal

[ameliareaganwright]

When my mother died, I did not have to choose her casket, as I had not had to do when my father died 15 years prior. My parents had already made and paid for their choice, solid oak caskets. My parents, especially my mother, were rock-solid, Bible-believing Christians. What I'll never forget, while tying up loose ends at the funeral home, one of my brothers and I went into the casket "Selection Room." We weren't there to select anything. It was all about our morbid curiosity. My brother, Chris, and I were sauntering around when a funeral home coordinator approached us. We told him we were just "looking around." There was this solid-wood, beautiful casket that caught Chris's and my eye. Its finish was beautiful, but it was so different from the rest. The funeral home employee told us that we were looking at a casket for an Orthodox Jew. It just so happened that my younger brother, Josh, was married to a former Jew. The funeral guy told Chris and me about an Orthodox Jew that was to be buried the very next day, Sunday. Jews will commonly conduct funerals on Sunday, as Sunday is just another day to them. The funeral guy told Chris and me who had died. Both Chris and I knew about to whom he was referring. He also told us that Orthodox Jews MUST be clothed in seamless white linen. His main concern was being able to fit that obese, Orthodox Jew into a 100%, kosher casket. It was a real eye-opener.

[fintan]

These caskets are every bit as beautiful as some very expensive solid oak caskets I’ve seen.

[nancyhiler]

Beautiful work. Thank you for shareing.