Why is cremation prohibited?
In the Bible, God said to Adam (the first man): For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return (Gen 3:19). Judaism regards interment in the earth as essential. When cremation is performed, the body is usually not returned to the earth, that is, the ashes are not buried. They are usually scattered or placed in an urn, which is kept in the home or in the crematorium. Cremation, therefore is not recognized as a legitimate form of burial.
