Q&A: Delaying the Burial of Relatives of Get-Refusers
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Delaying the Burial of Relatives of Get-Refusers
Question
Hello Rabbi,
A case was publicized today in which the Chief Rabbi ordered the burial of a woman to be delayed because her son is a get-refuser. I wanted to ask whether this is permitted according to Jewish law. After all, the mother is not to blame for her son’s actions, and she is entitled to burial like any other person. In addition, there is the prohibition of “do not leave a body overnight” and an injury to the dignity of the deceased here.
Best regards,
Answer
It really does seem very problematic to me. She is a third party, and her dignity cannot be used as a means of pressure against an offender for the sake of someone else.
See a discussion here:
www.justice.gov.il/Units/MishpatIvri/Gilyonot/358.doc