Should a Kohen attend a funeral?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

Library » Jewish Identity » Kohains and Levites » The Holy Tribe | Subscribe | What is RSS? PRINT EMAIL COMMENT The Kohen may not enter a funeral chapel or approach within four cubits (approximately seven feet) of a coffin, but this does not mean that he should not attend funerals. Accompanying the deceased on their final journey is a great Mitzvah—one which a Kohen certainly should not forgo.  Most Jewish funeral homes have loudspeakers outside so that the Kohanim can listen to the eulogies and follow along with the service. Some funeral homes even have a separate entrance and a “Kohanim Room” which is not connected to the chapel or the area where the bodies are held. At the conclusion of the funeral service, the Kohen should stand at a distance and follow the coffin and/or hearse, thus participating in the special mitzvah of accompanying the dead. Accompanying the deceased on their final journey is a great mitzvah—one which a Kohen certainly should not forgo ADD A COMMENT Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in). RELATED CATEGORIES Life Cycle » Death » Burial/Cemetery Email to a friend Post a comment cancel Loading...