Death and Burial: How have burial customs changed over time?
Customs, although relatively static, do change over time. Consider the following changes in customs between now and the 2nd Century CE: • R’ Shim’on ben Gamliel, in the 2nd Century CE, was frustrated with the competitiveness in funeral arrangements. People felt that they weren’t doing enough for their loved one if they didn’t do as much or out-do their neighbors, sometimes to the point of impoverishment. He was a descendent of Hillel, a nasi (prince; ie not merely the rabbinic leader of the day, but also lauded for being a descendant of David), and quite wealthy. He insisted in his will that they bury him in a simple white linen garment, figuring that everyone would follow. And such became custom. • Jews in the 2nd Century CE placed the body of the deceased in the ground by using caves rather than digging graves. Usually there would be shelves in the walls of the cave, like a subterranean mausaleum. However, burial space was running low. So, after a year, when the body was reduced to d
