“They give testimony about the identity of a corpse during the first three days after death.” - Mishna Yevamot 16
It is vital for the community as well as the family that the identity of the deceased be established so that mourning can commence, no matter the circumstances.
Rabbi Bereh, Rabbi Pappi, Rabbi, Joshua of Sikhnin in the name of Rabbi Levy said, ”Three days after death, the soul floats above the body, thinking that will return. When the soul sees the body, that the appearance of the face has changed, it leaves and goes its way.” - Yerushalmi Yevamot 16
This passage informs us that the wellbeing of the soul of the person is also considered when death occurs. We take into account the family, the community and the soul.
Comments