CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
67. Burial of “Messianic Jews”
QUESTION:
An active member of the group called “Messianic Jews” recently died. His family, which is also active in this movement, has requested that he be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Should that request be granted? (Rabbi S. Prystowsky, Laffayete Hill, PA)
ANSWER: “Messianic
Jews” claim that they are Jews, but we must asked ourselves whether we identify them as Jews. We can not do so as they consider Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah who has fulfilled the Messianic promises. In this way, they have clearly placed themselves within Christianity. They may be somewhat different from other Christians as they follow various Jewish rites and ceremonials, but that does not make them Jews. After all, Seventh Day Adventists celebrate Saturday as their day of rest, and various Black Christian churches continue to celebrate a number of Jewish festivals throughout the year. The theology and underlying beliefs of “Messianic Jews” remove them from Judaism and make them Christians.
The
early Evel Rabbati (Semahot II) listed apostates among those whom the community has no obligation to bury. Although the later codes agreed, they were lenient under special circumstances and the law developed along those lines, mandating burial even for apostates. The division of opinion centers around the question of what is done for the “honor of the dead” and what for the “honor of the living.” The latter are more readily performed; this means burial in a Jewish cemetery, but without eulogy or takhrikhim, nor a period of mourning, as these are “for the honor of the dead” (Moses Sofer, Responsa Yoreh Deah #341; Tur, Yoreh Deah 344, 345 and commentaries). Of course, if the death of the apostate was sudden, then it is assumed that he has repented (Isserles to Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 340.5; Hoshen Mishpat 266.2). In our case, the family of the deceased also consider themselves “Messianic Jews,” so there is no question of doing anything for “the honor for the living.”
We should also note that when special conditions endangered the community,
burial could be, and was, refused (Nahmanides, Responsa #224; Jacob Levi, Responsa #49). “Messianic Jews” present such a danger as its members masquerade as Jews and mislead Jews, while they are actually Christians. We should refuse to bury this “Messianic Jew,” despite his self identification he was a Christian.
November 1985
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.