Bubbe meise means old wives tale
This Mortality Minute video created for Waldman Funeral Care in Houston, Texas clears up some misconceptions about whether Jews who have tattoos or who committed suicide can be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
The video debunks an old wives tale, also known as a bubbe meise. A transcript of the information follows the video.
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This Jewish Mortality Minute is brought to you by Waldman Funeral Care: Extraordinary Service. Compassionate Care.
Hi, I’m Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death, with today’s Mortality Minute.
Ever hear of a “bubbe meise”? It’s Yiddish for an old wives tale or myth. One persistent myth is that people who have tattoos or commit suicide can’t be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
Although the Torah prohibits tattooing – check Leviticus 19:28 – no Jewish law prohibits a tattooed person from burial in a Jewish cemetery. (Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.)
As for suicide, it is considered a grave sin to take one’s own life. Historically, suicides and criminals were buried outside the cemetery walls. We now recognize the distress of those who commit suicide and have compassion for the deceased and their family. All traditional Jewish burial and mourning practices are allowed.
Remember, talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, talking about funerals won’t make you dead. Start a conversation and have the Talk of a Lifetime with someone you know today.
This Mortality Minute was brought to you by Waldman Funeral Care – Extraordinary Service. Compassionate Care. To learn more, visit WaldmanFuneralCare.com.