Q&A: Jewish Law and Body Freezing (Cryonics): Questions About Mourning and Mourning Practices After Temporary Death
Jewish Law and Body Freezing (Cryonics): Questions About Mourning and Mourning Practices After Temporary Death
Question
Hello, Honorable Rabbi,
My father, who is secular, has expressed a wish to undergo a freezing process (cryonics) in the hope that in the future, when science makes it possible, he will be able to return to life. I would like to ask whether, from the standpoint of Jewish law, one would be required to sit shiva for him, recite Kaddish for him, observe the mourning practices, or establish a yahrzeit date?
I would be glad to hear your opinion on this matter and receive clarification.
Answer
Hello.
In my opinion, from the moment he is placed in freezing, one may sit shiva. The rule is that from the moment your attention has turned away from dealing with burial, you become obligated in shiva. This is explained in the Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De'ah 375:2–6, and in the Shakh there, subsection 5. See an overview here: https://www.machonso.org/hamaayan/?gilayon=71&id=2794
May you hear good news.